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