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- Tasks: Lead engineering teams on complex projects that combat climate change.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering and nuclear organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the nuclear sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and UK nuclear defence industry required.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team in a rapidly growing Derby office.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Would you be excited to play a part in supporting the fight against climate change? Do you thrive in collaborative, creative environments? Are you looking for a challenging role that allows flexible working and work‑life balance? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineers to expand and grow our Derby office to meet increasing client demand in the region. As a senior member of our team, you will be responsible for leading engineering teams working on a diverse and challenging range of complex projects for our clients, with opportunities to work within AtkinsRéalis design teams or directly with our clients by being embedded into their major programmes.
We also offer opportunities for breadth of experience across markets or industries, including the potential to work as a Subject Matter Expert. The pipeline of opportunities is designed to ignite your career and develop your skills to the next level. We seek to ensure our staff have fulfilling and rewarding careers and approach our work with curiosity, care, courage and community.
About You
You bring calm to complexity and enjoy working in fast‑paced environments. You are naturally collaborative and build strong relationships with clear communication. You are comfortable juggling priorities, solving problems, and keeping things moving.
You have experience designing and substantiating mechanical equipment such as mechanical handling systems, machinery, test rigs, or mechanical components. You understand how to deliver complex engineering projects through a structured design process to achieve right‑first‑time solutions on time, cost and quality. You will have experience working in the UK nuclear defence industry and are motivated to continuously develop your skills while contributing to critical UK nuclear (civil and defence) programmes.
Role and Responsibilities
As a senior member of the team, you will keep things moving, bringing structure and clarity to fast paced projects. You will work with engineers, delivery teams, and clients in both our offices and client sites to lead delivery of complex mechanical engineering and multi‑disciplinary projects. You will manage timescales, solve problems, and provide guidance to junior engineers, helping teams deliver outstanding outcomes for clients.
You will contribute to design and substantiation projects across the project lifecycle, from supporting bids, budgets and schedules, to exploring feasibility and engineering solutions, through to detailed design and construction. You will liaise with, present to, and influence stakeholders at all levels, building strong, lasting relationships.
This role includes strategic growth and development of the Derby office and wider team, including supporting the professional progression of junior colleagues. As part of our expansion plans, you will help shape our regional presence and service offerings.
Why Derby?
Our Derby office serves as a key hub for engineering and consultancy operations in the Midlands, with strong transport links to London, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester and the Peak District. It is well positioned to key clients in the nuclear (civil & defence) and manufacturing sectors. Derby has a rich engineering heritage and is experiencing rapid growth in professional services, while remaining affordable compared with other major UK cities.
Reward & Benefits
Explore rewards and benefits that help you thrive at every stage of life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a broad range of benefits you can tailor to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Access training and professional development opportunities and benefit from a hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance work and personal life.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We work with our industry partners and clients to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.
Additional information
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of UK residency of 5 years or longer.
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.
Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) employer: AtkinsRéalis
Contact Detail:
AtkinsRéalis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work and projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can do. It’s all about making a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident and ready to tackle those tricky questions when they come up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in the UK nuclear defence industry and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about making a difference in the engineering field. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex projects and collaborated with teams to achieve outstanding results.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to juggle priorities and solve problems in fast-paced environments. We want to see how you bring structure and clarity to complex projects, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure all your details are captured correctly and we can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to the nuclear defence industry. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a fit for the job, but that you're genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior/Principal Engineer, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or guided junior engineers in the past. Highlight your ability to keep things moving and bring structure to complex projects, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex engineering concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Being able to present your ideas clearly will demonstrate your collaborative nature and help build strong relationships.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with AtkinsRéalis' values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and community. Showing that you understand and resonate with their culture can set you apart from other candidates.
