Job Description
Principal Hardware Engineer
Location: Stafford (Hybrid - 3 days per week in the office)Salary: Up to £65,000 (depending on experience)Contract: Full-time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to take full technical ownership across a portfolio of complex engineering projects within the nuclear and defence sectors. This is a senior leadership role combining deep technical expertise with responsibility for project delivery, team leadership, and continuous improvement.
You will lead and mentor engineering teams, ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, and maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance in a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead engineering delivery across multiple concurrent projects
* Take technical ownership to ensure scope, cost, schedule and quality targets are met
* Line manage, mentor and develop engineers, providing technical leadership and direction
* Oversee project performance, identifying risks, opportunities and efficiencies
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
* Provide technical input to bids, estimates, proposals and contract documentation
* Support business development, sales and on-site engineering teams
* Engage confidently with internal and external stakeholders on technical and commercial matters
* Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Experience & Knowledge
* Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (minimum 2:1)
* Proven hardware development experience with leadership responsibility
* Experience delivering functional safety systems, ideally within the nuclear sector
* Strong systems integration and cyber security knowledge in regulated environments
* Track record of successful project delivery and customer satisfaction
* Experience working within ISO-certified management systems
* Commercial awareness, including budget and cost management
* MOD Security Clearance (or eligible to obtain)
Skills & Attributes
* Confident technical leader with strong people management capability
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* Highly organised, results-driven and able to manage competing priorities
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
* Adaptable, proactive and comfortable working in a regulated environment
Eligibility Requirements
* UK national (no dual nationality)
* Must have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years
* Ability to pass DBS and BPSS checks
* No spent or current criminal convictions
* Willingness to work within the nuclear defence sector
DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality