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- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to deliver innovative nuclear construction projects on time and within budget.
- Company: Join Cavendish Nuclear, a leader in the nuclear energy sector with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, matched pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities and support for volunteering.
- Why this job: Shape the future of nuclear energy and make a real impact on national energy resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex projects and knowledge of safety regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: GB Warrington, WA3 6YD, Reading, RG14 2PZ, Bristol, BS3 2HQ, Leicester, LE3 1UF
Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid
Compensation: Attractive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape The Future of Nuclear Energy And Engineering Excellence
At Cavendish Nuclear, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Construction Engineer at any of our main UK locations, near one of our key sites including Bristol, Warrington, Leicester, Newbury, or Preston.
The role
The UK’s small and advanced modular reactor sector is entering a pivotal phase, with major programmes progressing and strong government backing. Join us as a Principal Construction Engineer at the centre of this momentum and build your career across the nuclear and defence sector. We’re seeking a Principal Construction Engineer to join our Advanced Nuclear Technologies team, working in a fast‑moving, innovation‑led environment with real national impact. You’ll help shape the next generation of nuclear power through cutting‑edge design, accelerated deployment and projects that strengthen the UK’s long‑term energy resilience. If you want your work to matter at scale, this is the role for you.
This is a full‑time role, based across any of our main UK locations. Flexible working patterns are available, and travel to other customer sites will be expected.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll be required to:
- Leading and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver construction work to time, cost, and quality expectations
- Reviewing and approving technical outputs including reports, calculations, and design deliverables
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulatory frameworks, and quality requirements
- Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive integrated project delivery
- Managing customer relationships and providing clear updates on progress and technical solutions
Essential experience of the Principal Construction Engineer:
- Proven experience leading teams and delivering complex engineering or construction projects
- Demonstrable knowledge of safety, regulatory standards, and technical assurance processes (such as Construction Design and Management regulations)
- Experience working within highly regulated industries, such as nuclear, defence, energy, or infrastructure
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across technical and non‑technical audiences
- Ability to oversee technical solutions and ensure alignment with project scope and requirements
Qualifications for the Principal Construction Engineer:
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience in engineering, construction, or a related discipline
- Chartered status with a recognised engineering institution is desirable
Benefits include:
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading allows UK Cavendish employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave from their entitlement during a window open February through to March annually.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to volunteer with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Principal Construction Engineer in Reading employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
Contact Detail:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Construction Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that Principal Construction Engineer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and safety standards. Make sure you can discuss your past projects confidently. We want to see how you’ve led teams and tackled challenges in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! As a Principal Construction Engineer, you’ll need to manage stakeholders and communicate effectively. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical solutions with non-technical audiences.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. Let’s shape the future of nuclear energy together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Construction Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Construction Engineer role. Highlight your leadership in engineering projects and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about nuclear energy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led teams or delivered projects successfully, especially in regulated industries like nuclear or defence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Cavendish Nuclear!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the technical aspects of construction engineering, especially in the nuclear sector. Familiarise yourself with safety standards and regulatory frameworks like the Construction Design and Management regulations. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the industry's nuances.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Construction Engineer, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams and delivered complex projects. Highlight your ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-world challenges in construction projects. Think about potential scenarios related to project delays or compliance issues, and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adherence to safety standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company's approach to innovation in nuclear energy or how they ensure compliance with safety regulations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.