Engineering Manager in Sunderland

Assystem is a global leader committed to accelerating the energy transition. With 7,750 employees across 12 countries, we tackle the monumental task of switching to low-carbon energy. Our 55+ years of experience in highly regulated sectors ensure we deliver top-notch engineering, project management, and digital solutions.

Join the Fusion and Modular Nuclear Business Unit! Assystem has an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Manager to join our expanding Fusion and Modular Nuclear (FMN) business unit. As leaders in the design and development of new technologies, you will have the opportunity to work across multiple cutting-edge projects developing technical solutions making net-zero power generation a reality.

We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager with Grid Experience! Drive the timely delivery of key lifecycle milestones ensuring swift stakeholder review and acceptance. Own the resolution of engineering challenges—including Technical Queries, Early Warnings, Open Points, and design changes—aligned with contract requirements and RACI governance. Engage approval bodies when Safety Case implications are identified, ensuring compliance and risk management. Coordinate across all delivery stakeholders, making sure critical information flows smoothly and everyone plays their part to schedule. Establish a clear prioritisation process for handling queries and issues efficiently, balancing operational demands in manufacturing and installation. Deliver all engineering outputs on plan, leveraging collaboration with stakeholders to stay on track. Secure seamless engineering support across all phases, escalating interface issues during installation and driving timely responses. Ensure successful delivery of Technical Acceptance, aligned with defined surveillance frameworks and quality expectations. Support risk and opportunity management for engineering scope, including tracking in ARM where required. Manage design interfaces and supplier feedback, maintaining full control over changes and inputs. Assist Quality Management by leading technical resolution of manufacturing NCRs with precision and urgency. Follow up on equipment qualification programmes, pushing forward resolution of engineering-related items such as queries, deviations, and changes.

Why Join the Community of Switchers? Over 55 years in nuclear engineering. Ranked among the top 3 largest nuclear engineering companies. Attractive social benefits, including an engaging Employee Committee and holiday bonuses. Ongoing training with numerous career opportunities. 70% of our managers are promoted internally! Hybrid work: 1-2 days remote per week.

My profile: Degree-qualified and Chartered in engineering, construction, or a related technical field. Proven track record of technical leadership in complex, high-risk environments—delivering safely and responsibly, ideally within Nuclear Energy or similarly regulated sectors. Strong understanding of integrated management systems, with working knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, standards, and contractual documentation. Deep technical expertise in your discipline, bringing credibility and confidence to complex engineering challenges. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, with a knack for facilitating discussions and driving issue resolution. Exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, with strong presentation, influencing, and facilitation skills. Sharp analytical and numerical skills, enabling data-driven decisions and sound engineering judgement. In-depth knowledge of PWR/EPR design, with hands-on experience in PWR/EPR construction a strong advantage. Well-versed in EU directives, British Standards, and internal company standards and procedures. Solid understanding of CDM Regulations, ensuring safe and compliant project delivery. Project management experience, applying APM Body of Knowledge or PRINCE2 methodology effectively.

Travel Ready: Ability to travel to Assystem offices and customer sites within the UK. Global Impact: Support major UK and international Nuclear Clients with key work packages. Due to the nature of work to be undertaken applicants will be required to meet certain residency criteria in order to attain a minimum level of UK security clearance if not already security cleared to a minimum SC level.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter! Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Are you a prospective or recent graduate? Assystem offers you the opportunity to join our Switch to Grow UK Graduate Scheme, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in engineering, digital services, and project management by working on some of the world’s most critical energy projects. Be part of the challenge of the century; accelerating the switch to low carbon energy!