EC&I Engineer – Nuclear Solutions
Leading Nuclear Solutions Provider | North West | Hybrid | Long-term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate | Ability to obtain SC Clearance Required
The Opportunity
We're recruiting an Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) Engineer to deliver technical expertise on nuclear-related projects for a leading nuclear solutions provider in the North West. You'll work on strategically important programmes, delivering EC&I design and technical solutions.
Contract Details: Outside IR35 | Competitive rate | Hybrid working (2 days per week on-site) | Starting near Preston, transitioning to Chester | Long-term contract | Ability to obtain SC clearance required
Preferred: Functional Safety certification and experience. However, if you're a strong EC&I engineer without functional safety background, we're happy to consider you. What matters is technical expertise and the capability to develop in this area. Ability to obtain SC clearance is essential.
What You'll Be Doing
EC&I Design & Technical Delivery
Deliver electrical, control and instrumentation design across nuclear projects
Produce technical documentation including SLDs, cable schedules, equipment specifications, schematics and control system designs
Develop control system architectures and specifications
Support design quality and compliance with nuclear standards
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on integrated delivery
Functional Safety (Preferred)
Lead or support functional safety activities where experienced
Conduct Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments
Develop Safety Instrumented System (SIS) specifications
Ensure compliance with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, IEC 61511)
Manage functional safety documentation
Technical Compliance
Ensure all designs comply with nuclear standards and regulatory requirements
Maintain rigorous quality assurance and technical documentation
Conduct design reviews and technical approvals
Support client specifications and security requirements
Equipment & Procurement
Specify electrical and control equipment for nuclear applications
Review supplier quotations and technical proposals
Manage procurement coordination
Ensure compliance with nuclear standards and certifications
Commissioning & Support
Support commissioning activities
Provide technical support to construction and operations teams
Resolve technical issues during implementation
About You
Essential Qualifications & Experience
SC (Security Clearance) required - you must be eligible to obtain. We'll support the vetting process.
Degree in electrical, electronic, control or related engineering discipline
Minimum 8+ years' EC&I engineering experience on nuclear or similarly regulated projects
Proven track record delivering electrical design on complex programmes
Expert-level knowledge of:
Control system design and implementation
Electrical power systems and distribution
Instrumentation and measurement systems
Nuclear standards and specifications
Strong understanding of:
UK legislation and standards for nuclear applications
Risk identification and management
HSE requirements
Excellent communication skills - confident engaging with clients and technical teams
Quality and compliance focused - meticulous approach to design and documentation
Highly motivated - takes ownership of technical delivery
Preferred
Functional Safety certification and experience -IEC 61508, IEC 61511, SIL determination, SIS design
Track record on safety-critical systems
Experience on other nuclear projects
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status
If you don't have functional safety experience but you're a strong EC&I engineer with nuclear background, we're interested in hearing from you. The right person with the capability to develop in functional safety matters more than a checkbox qualification.
Security Clearance
SC (Security Clearance) is essential. You must be eligible to obtain clearance. We'll support and guide you through the vetting process.
The Role in Practice
You'll be based 2 days per week on-site (starting near Preston, moving to Chester as the project develops). You'll work on nuclear-related projects delivering EC&I technical solutions. Remaining days are flexible/remote.
This is hands-on technical work on strategically important nuclear programmes. You'll be delivering design, managing suppliers, and ensuring compliance with nuclear standards.
Why This Role
You'll be working for a leading nuclear solutions provider on significant UK nuclear programmes. This is professional EC&I engineering where technical expertise and nuclear knowledge are genuinely valued. You'll be working with experienced teams on strategically important projects.
The role offers competitive rates for experienced EC&I engineers, long-term engagement on nuclear programmes, hybrid flexibility between Chorley and Chester, and genuine technical development opportunities (particularly in functional safety)