Principal Engineer (Nuclear Control Systems) in Saint Helens

Delkia provides specialist CE&I/C&I engineering and technology for safety‑related, mission‑critical systems in nuclear and defence. We deliver assured design, consultancy, systems integration, digital engineering, build‑to‑print, control panels and complex system support. Our sister company, SyntheSys Defence Systems, adds secure data links, communications, networks, testing and training across regulated sectors and domains worldwide.

Delkia is a specialist engineering and technology company for safety-related and mission critical systems in highly regulated sectors, including aerospace, clean energy and maritime sectors. Our offer incorporates: engineering design, technical consultancy and systems integration. We believe that engineering is not just about technology, manufacturing and innovation. It’s about the people behind it. Delkia ensures that its teams are the focus of its business through passion, belief and simply a better way of working, resulting in great outcomes for our customers. We’re also proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and invest in future talent through supporting STEM initiatives, apprenticeships, placements and summer interns. Our Head Office is in Haydock, supported by facilities in Cumbria. Alongside these locations, we have a network of skilled staff working across the UK, forming a dynamic and highly capable team. Come and join a company that values our people and is growing fast.

Overview of the role: The Principal Engineer (Nuclear Control Systems) will be responsible for overseeing and managing the design, development, and implementation of systems for various nuclear projects. They will report directly to our Project Engineering Director. The successful candidate will ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant standards, regulations, and project requirements, with a particular focus on piping, heavy instrumentation systems, and gas handling.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Lead and manage the nuclear engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with industry standards, regulations, and project requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to define project scopes, deliverables, and timelines.
• Conduct technical reviews and assessments of engineering reports and documentation.
• Provide technical expertise and problem-solving support throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering tasks within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers to ensure compliance with project specifications and requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Prepare and present technical reports and documentation to stakeholders.
• Participate in project planning, risk management, and change control processes.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the engineering team and across other project teams.

What you’ll bring:

• Chartered Engineer status is preferred. Incorporated engineers working towards Chartered status will be considered.
• Degree qualified in an engineering discipline relevant to nuclear.
• Extensive experience in systems, mechanical and process engineering.
• Proven experience in managing and leading engineering teams.
• Excellent understanding of industry standards and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound engineering/managerial decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant engineering software and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice to have:

• Additional certifications or qualifications in project management or a related field.
• Experience with specific industry software and tools.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices in engineering projects.
• Experience working with international teams and projects.

Armed Forces Covenant Commitment: As an Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Member, we commit to ensuring Armed Forces personnel leaving the service and Armed Forces Veterans will be actively considered alongside other candidates. Please indicate your previous service in your application. This role has been mapped against the RN/Army/RAF career streams and is closely aligned with junior officer roles (Lt, Capt or Flt Lt) and Senior NCO ranks (CPO, SSgt and CT/FS).

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Employers pension contributions of 5%
• 4 day working week - Mon to Thurs
• 23 days holiday, plus 3 discretionary days to cover the Christmas closedown period (plus Bank Holidays)
• Birthday Day Off (in addition to your holiday entitlement)
• Healthcare cash plan – allowing you to reclaim the cost of everyday healthcare
• Volunteering time including 1 day for STEM related activities
• Professional Membership fees
• Free tea, coffee and fruit in the workplace
• Team collaboration and social events including a fully funded Christmas Party
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Flexible working
• Training and development
• Excellent company standards
• Company bonus scheme
• Great team spirit

Our Vision: To be the UK’s leading engineering and technology partner for safety-related and mission-critical systems.

Our Mission: To enable a safer, more resilient world through the provision of engineering and technological solutions. We take pride in our role as a partner for safety-critical systems, ensuring the protection of people, assets, and missions that matter most.

Our Values:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Integrity, trust and accountability
• Safety and security
• Client focused
• Positive social value and impact
• Continuous improvement

Our Purpose: At Delkia we are driven by our purpose to protect lives and critical assets.

Equal opportunities: Delkia is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Please be aware that many roles working for Delkia will be subject to UK national security vetting restrictions. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and satisfy requirements for national security vetting clearance as appropriate. All applications will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. If you require any reasonable adjustments during any part of the application process, please get in touch to discuss.

Note to Agencies: Delkia has a commitment to sourcing candidates directly and as such we do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. Please note that any unsolicited CVs submitted will be deemed as gifted to Delkia and any terms & conditions associated with the use of such CVs will be null and void.