At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex projects in a dynamic nuclear environment, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm committed to innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with strong support for the Armed Forces community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value engineering projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or Project Management; experience in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly capable Project Controller– Mechanical Equipment/Valves to lead the delivery of complex contract packages across a major nuclear programme. This role is ideal for project professionals who thrive in technically challenging environments and want to take ownership of high‑value, safety‑critical engineering packages. You will be responsible for ensuring that mechanical equipment and valve packages are delivered safely, on time, to budget, and in full compliance with nuclear quality and technical requirements. Working at the centre of a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with engineering, commercial, quality, manufacturing, and site teams to ensure seamless delivery across the full lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive contract and package delivery to meet safety, schedule, cost, and technical performance requirements.
- Monitor programme progress, tracking milestones, risks, deadlines, and budget performance, and reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Manage and resolve issues across the contract, escalating risks and ensuring timely resolution of NCRs, technical queries, and manufacturing challenges.
- Lead contract administration including variations, claims, instructions, and commercial governance (with Commercial Manager support).
- Oversee Tier 1 supply chain performance, ensuring nuclear safety and quality across up to 100+ international Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers.
- Ensure Level 3 schedules are developed, maintained, and aligned with overall project schedules.
- Support qualification activities to demonstrate nuclear safety performance of mechanical equipment and valves.
- Coordinate with site teams to ensure all pre‑shipment and delivery requirements are met.
- Secure and manage project resources, ensuring SQEP compliance and identifying capability gaps.
- Develop and implement delivery strategies aligned with the Programme Execution Plan (PEP).
- Maintain strong stakeholder communication, ensuring alignment across engineering, commercial, and site teams.
- Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) and other commercial reporting tools.
- Embed continuous improvement, capturing lessons learned and best practice.
- Interface with other programmes to maintain a holistic view of project progress and cross‑programme dependencies.
Required Skills
- Proven experience delivering projects in technically complex, highly regulated environments, ideally nuclear or similar safety‑critical sectors.
- Engineering design and execution strategies.
- Procurement and delivery of complex contracts.
- Cost, risk, schedule, and change control, including Earned Value tools.
- Commercial close‑out and claims negotiation.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.
- Excellent project management, financial management, and change management capability.
- Proficient with scheduling, estimating, risk, and project controls tools.
- Experience managing contractors and consultants on major construction projects, ideally under NEC or FIDIC frameworks.
- Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to influence across teams.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or Project Management, or equivalent military experience.
- Experience working on nuclear new build projects.
- Experience within nuclear, energy, or other highly regulated environments.
- Experience supporting construction reporting and performance analysis.
Benefits
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
- Flexible way of working (role dependent).
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 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.
Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves in Taunton employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the South West UK that fosters professional growth and collaboration across diverse engineering projects. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, life insurance, and a flexible working culture, all while supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Join us to take ownership of high-value, safety-critical projects within the nuclear sector, where your skills will be valued and your career path personalised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves in Taunton
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves role you’re after at ALTEN.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at ALTEN a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at ALTEN.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves at ALTEN, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Controller - Mechanical Equipment / Valves, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at ALTEN a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to ALTEN specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ALTEN, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like ALTEN want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
