At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams on complex mechanical projects and ensure outstanding outcomes.
- Company: AtkinsRéalis, a leader in nuclear civil and defence engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible holidays, hybrid working, and tailored benefits.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against climate change while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design within the UK nuclear defence industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineers to expand and grow our Derby office and meet increasing client demand in the region.
As a senior member of our team, you will lead engineering teams on a diverse range of complex projects, with opportunities to work within AtkinsRéalis design teams or be embedded directly into our clients’ major programmes.
Your role
You will be the person who keeps projects moving, bringing structure and clarity to fast‑paced work. You will work closely with engineers, delivery teams and clients in both our offices and on client sites to deliver a wide range of complex mechanical engineering and multi‑disciplinary projects.
Your responsibilities include
- Leading design and substantiation of mechanical equipment to the highest standards of safety, quality and efficiency, from technical input to bids, budgets and schedules, through feasibility studies, and into detailed design and construction.
- Liaising with, presenting to and influencing stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships and ensuring delivery of outstanding outcomes.
About you
You bring calm to complexity and thrive in fast‑paced environments. You are naturally collaborative, build strong relationships and keep communication flowing. You have experience designing and substantiating mechanical equipment such as handling systems, machinery, test rigs or components, using engineering tools and a structured design process. You have worked in the UK nuclear defence industry and are motivated to continuously develop your skills while contributing to critical UK nuclear programmes.
Rewards & Benefits
Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible holiday allowances, hybrid working culture and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. You will have access to extensive training and professional development opportunities to grow your skills and expertise.
Security clearance
This role may require security clearance; offers of employment will depend on obtaining the relevant clearance. If required, the vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of five years or longer. If applying, please do not reference or include in your application or CV details of any current or previously held security clearance.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
AtkinsRéalis is an Equal Opportunities Employer and values applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to offering interviews to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong, thrive and develop to be their best selves.
Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, particularly in the dynamic field of environmental consultancy. Located in London, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and sustainability, providing team members with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. We are committed to supporting your journey towards chartership and offer a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis
✨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 AtkinsRéalis.
✨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 AtkinsRéalis love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of AtkinsRéalis 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 Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis
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 AtkinsRéalis and the Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis 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 AtkinsRéalis
✨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 AtkinsRéalis.
✨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 AtkinsRéalis.
✨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 AtkinsRéalis, making you a more appealing candidate.
