At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative HVAC systems for nuclear facilities and ensure safety compliance.
- Company: ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy shaping the future of technology.
- Benefits: Personalised career paths, private medical insurance, flexible working, and team-building events.
- Other info: Diverse projects, ongoing learning, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to impactful projects in the nuclear sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in mechanical or plant equipment design.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Equipment you will join the Derby/Warrington/Manchester team to support our activities within the Nuclear Sector. You will support the technical delivery of HVAC system design solutions that provide tempered and conditioned air to Reactor Island facilities, alongside systems that safely extract and treat contaminated air prior to atmospheric discharge. You will contribute across concept and detailed design phases, ensuring that ventilation and cooling solutions meet nuclear safety, performance, and legislative requirements. You will work closely with system leads and multi-disciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated HVAC and chilled water solutions for safety‑critical nuclear environments.
Location: Derby/Warrington/Manchester
On Site: 2 days in one of the sites
Clearance: BPSS
Experience Level: 3-10 YOE
Key Responsibilities:
- Support delivery of mechanical and plant equipment design solutions for SMR applications
- Develop and manage technical requirements for plant equipment packages
- Produce and review technical deliverables including specifications, calculations and design documentation
- Support concept and detailed design activities for miscellaneous plant equipment systems
- Apply modularisation and standardisation principles to equipment design solutions
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners during equipment development activities
- Coordinate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure technical integration and compliance
- Support engineering governance, quality assurance and design review activities
- Present technical solutions and design maturity at stakeholder and programme reviews
- Assist with supplier management and technical oversight activities
- Support delivery of programme milestones, cost and schedule objectives
Qualifications Required Skills:
- Knowledge of mechanical or plant equipment engineering principles
- Experience developing equipment designs from concept through detailed definition
- Ability to manage technical scope and support equipment delivery activities
- Experience producing and reviewing technical engineering documentation
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder coordination skills
- Understanding of engineering governance and quality assurance processes
- Ability to balance technical, cost and programme considerations
- Ability to plan work, manage priorities and elevate technical risks appropriately
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in nuclear or other safety‑critical industries
- Familiarity with verification and validation techniques
- Experience working within regulated engineering environments
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We support the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Equipment in Manchester employer: ALTEN Group
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering Mechanical Design Engineers to work on cutting-edge projects within the Nuclear Sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, ALTEN offers tailored career development paths, ongoing learning opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Derby, Warrington, and Manchester, employees benefit from a flexible working approach, comprehensive health benefits, and a vibrant social atmosphere that encourages team bonding and professional networking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Equipment in Manchester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like ALTEN Group.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like ALTEN Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ALTEN Group and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Equipment in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for ALTEN Group and the Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Equipment role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN Group
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at ALTEN Group.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at ALTEN Group.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with ALTEN Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
