At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative components and systems for nuclear projects, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Assystem, a leading independent nuclear engineering firm with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, strong career progression, and the chance to impact energy and infrastructure.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Work on complex projects that matter and contribute to real-world solutions in energy and defence.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in design engineering required; analytical skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Today, Assystem is among the top three independent nuclear engineering firms worldwide. With over 60 years of experience in highly regulated sectors, the group supports public and industrial stakeholders in the execution of complex and strategic infrastructure projects, subject to high safety and security requirements.
As a Nuclear Design Engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing components, assemblies, and systems that meet stringent requirements for safety, cost, availability, and longevity. From early concept through to in-service support, you’ll ensure every design is resilient, efficient, and built to perform under real-world conditions.
You’ll work across nuclear plant systems and supporting equipment—including tooling, assembly/disassembly systems, and maintenance solutions—contributing to every stage from design to deployment and beyond.
What You’ll Be Doing- Develop innovative, reliable design solutions aligned with system and sub-system requirements
- Manage projects from concept through to verification, delivery, and in-service support
- Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams
- Lead design verification through testing and analysis
- Maintain safety justifications and resolve in-service issues
- Interpret test data and validate designs against analytical models
- Drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and methods
- Support supplier assessments and qualification activities
- Ensure compliance with technical standards, safety requirements, and company values
- Translate system requirements into detailed component-level designs
- Deliver projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards
- Identify and manage technical, cost, and schedule risks
- Lead investigations, technical packages, and problem resolution
- Provide expert guidance within your engineering discipline
- Support production, integration, maintenance, and decommissioning activities
- Define and execute verification, qualification, and safety strategies
- Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) in Engineering or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in design engineering across the product lifecycle
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and innovative thinking skills
- Experience with safety justification, product integrity, and verification methods
- Background in R&D, testing, and analytical modelling
- Membership (or working towards) of a relevant professional body
- Work on nationally significant, technically complex projects
- Strong career development and progression opportunities
- 25 days annual leave (buy and sell leave scheme)
- Opportunity to make a real impact in energy, defence and infrastructure
This role requires the successful candidate to hold a minimum of a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Due to the nature of work this role will be delivering and for the protection of certain assets, the successful candidate has to be a UK national or in MoD approved cases a Dual National from a non-ITAR country.
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.
Mechanical Design Engineer in Derby employer: Assystem, Switch On
Assystem is an exceptional employer, offering Mechanical Design Engineers the chance to work on nationally significant and technically complex projects within a supportive and innovative work culture. With strong career development opportunities, 25 days of annual leave, and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive while making a real impact in the energy, defence, and infrastructure sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the nuclear engineering field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your design projects. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safety and innovation during interviews. We want to see how you can contribute to Assystem’s mission of delivering resilient and efficient designs. Bring examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in design engineering and safety justification.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Assystem. Don’t forget to mention any innovative projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and come up with creative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Assystem, Switch On
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering principles, especially those related to nuclear design. Familiarise yourself with safety standards and verification methods, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description. Highlight your role in managing projects from concept to delivery, and be ready to explain how you tackled challenges along the way.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders. Be ready to share how you communicated effectively and resolved conflicts to achieve project goals.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the company's projects and values. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission in the nuclear engineering sector.
