Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering

Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead EC&I engineering activities and ensure compliance in a safety-critical environment.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in the nuclear industry with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for mentorship.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to mentor and lead engineering teams.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile programme while advancing your engineering career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical, Control & Instrumentation; chartered status preferred.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.

We are seeking an experienced Principal EC&I Engineer to support a high-profile programme delivering design and asset care across a complex, safety-critical environment. This role will operate within a multi-disciplinary design function responsible for both new project delivery and ongoing operational asset support, ensuring engineering solutions are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose across the full lifecycle. You will take a technical leadership role, providing governance, oversight, and assurance across EC&I design activities, while supporting the development of engineering teams and interfacing with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead EC&I engineering activities across design and asset support scopes
  • Provide technical authority and assurance for engineering deliverables
  • Oversee the production and review of design documentation, including:
    • Specifications, calculations, and reports
    • Control system architecture and design packages
    • Functional safety documentation (e.g. SRS, SIL assessments)
  • Ensure compliance with relevant nuclear industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements
  • Support hazard studies and safety case inputs (e.g. HAZOP, HAZID, ALARP demonstrations)
  • Interface with internal and external stakeholders including operations, project teams, and regulators
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior and senior engineers within the team
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, standards, and best practice
  • Support planning, estimating, and delivery of engineering work packages

Requirements

  • Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical, Control & Instrumentation, or related engineering discipline
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards chartership (highly desirable)
  • Significant experience within a highly regulated industry (nuclear strongly preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of nuclear engineering standards, codes, and compliance frameworks
  • Proven experience delivering EC&I design within safety-critical environments
  • Experience producing and reviewing high-quality engineering documentation
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Control and instrumentation systems
    • Functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508 / IEC 61511)
    • Safety case integration and design substantiation
  • Experience leading engineering teams and providing technical oversight
  • Ability to engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders

Desirable Experience

  • Experience supporting operational asset care / plant support environments
  • Previous involvement in long-term frameworks or design office models
  • Knowledge of legacy systems and infrastructure upgrades within regulated sites
  • Experience with digital/modern control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS)

Personal Attributes

  • Strong leadership and decision-making capability
  • High level of attention to detail and quality
  • Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a complex environment
  • Proactive, solutions-driven mindset
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering employer: Ignite Talent Group

As a Principal Engineer at our esteemed organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and innovation within the nuclear sector. We offer exceptional employee growth opportunities through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives, alongside competitive benefits that support your well-being and professional development. Join us in a location renowned for its commitment to engineering excellence, where your expertise will directly contribute to high-profile projects and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.

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Contact Detail:

Ignite Talent Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Engineer role.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in safety-critical environments and your knowledge of nuclear engineering standards. We want to see you confidently discuss your technical authority and how you’ve led teams to success!

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Brush up on your EC&I design knowledge and be ready to tackle some technical questions. We suggest practising common scenarios you might face in the role, like hazard studies or compliance frameworks. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll shine during those interviews!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Principal Engineer position!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering

Technical Leadership
EC&I Engineering
Design Documentation Review
Functional Safety Standards (IEC 61508 / IEC 61511)
Nuclear Engineering Standards
Hazard Studies (HAZOP, HAZID, ALARP)
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal EC&I Engineer role. Highlight your experience in safety-critical environments and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and how you’ve mentored others in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to highlight your knowledge of nuclear engineering standards and compliance frameworks. We want to see your understanding of control and instrumentation systems, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ignite Talent Group

Know Your Technical Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of EC&I engineering principles, especially in safety-critical environments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you ensured compliance with nuclear industry standards.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led multidisciplinary teams, highlighting your decision-making process and the outcomes of your leadership.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves interfacing with various stakeholders, practice articulating how you've successfully engaged with internal and external parties in past projects. Think about how you can convey your communication style and ability to build relationships.

Prepare for Compliance Questions

Expect questions around compliance frameworks and safety case integration. Familiarise yourself with relevant codes and standards, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles, particularly in regulated industries.