Senior Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear Decommissioning Projects (General Overview)
Role Summary:
The Senior Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership and design expertise across nuclear decommissioning, waste retrieval, legacy plant modification, and hazard-reduction projects. The role involves producing and reviewing high-quality mechanical design deliverables, ensuring compliance with nuclear standards, and supporting multi-disciplinary teams through all engineering stages.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the development of mechanical designs from concept through detailed design.
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Produce, review, and approve mechanical drawings, calculations, specifications, and design reports.
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Develop solutions for mechanical handling, remote operations, lifting equipment, containment systems, and waste processing equipment.
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Ensure mechanical designs comply with nuclear site processes, UK regulations, and relevant industry standards (BS, EN, ISO).
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Undertake engineering calculations to justify structural integrity, lifting capacity, pressure boundaries, and mechanical performance.
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Provide technical leadership to designers, graduates, and junior engineers.
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Work closely with CE&I, process, civil, and safety teams to produce integrated, safe design packages.
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Support hazard studies including HAZOPs, risk assessments, and ALARP evaluations.
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Participate in and lead design reviews, technical workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
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Produce mechanical equipment specifications, data sheets, and technical procurement documents.
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Review vendor drawings, calculations, and compliance statements.
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Conduct site surveys and walkdowns to verify existing plant conditions and support design development.
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Provide engineering support during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
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Ensure all work follows strict configuration control and quality assurance processes.
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Contribute to safety case information where mechanical engineering input is required.
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Ensure designs consider operability, maintainability, reliability, and lifecycle requirements.
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Manage and resolve technical queries from the supply chain, fabricators, and site teams.
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Support project planning, estimates, and engineering work-scope development.
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Identify design risks and drive safe, compliant engineering solutions.
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Promote strong nuclear safety culture and adherence to engineering best practice.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Proven experience as a mechanical engineer in nuclear or other highly regulated industries.
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Strong capability in mechanical design, engineering substantiation, and technical leadership.
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Competence with relevant design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks).
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Strong understanding of lifting operations, mechanical handling, remote tooling, and engineered safety systems.
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Ability to review and approve mechanical deliverables to a high standard.
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Effective communicator able to work collaboratively in multi-discipline teams.
Desirable Experience
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Experience on decommissioning, waste retrieval, or legacy facility remediation projects.
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Familiarity with Sellafield or Magnox engineering processes and drawing standards.
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Understanding of design for manufacture, fabrication methods, and CE marking