Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering in Whitehaven
Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering

Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering in Whitehaven

Whitehaven 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 in Whitehaven 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 role where your expertise will directly contribute to high-profile projects in a complex, safety-critical environment, making a meaningful impact on the future of engineering.
    I

    Contact Detail:

    Ignite Talent Group Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

    ✨Network Like a Pro

    Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend engineering meetups, conferences, or webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨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. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led teams or delivered high-quality engineering documentation.

    ✨Tailor Your Approach

    Before any interview, research the company and its projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like EC&I design and compliance frameworks. This shows you're not just another candidate; you're the right fit!

    ✨Apply Through Us!

    Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings. Applying through us gives you a better chance to stand out, and we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Principal Engineer role!

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

    Technical Leadership
    EC&I Engineering
    Design Documentation Review
    Functional Safety Standards
    Nuclear Engineering Standards
    Hazard Studies (HAZOP, HAZID)
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Mentoring and Guidance
    Continuous Improvement
    Control and Instrumentation Systems
    Safety Case Integration
    Project Planning and Estimation
    Attention to Detail
    Decision-Making Capability
    Proactive Problem-Solving

    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 or contributed to.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter, especially in terms of compliance and technical leadership.

    Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don't shy away from detailing your knowledge of nuclear engineering standards and functional safety. We want to see your understanding of control systems and how you've applied this in past roles.

    Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

    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 ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led multidisciplinary teams, highlighting your decision-making capabilities and stakeholder engagement.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect in-depth questions about functional safety standards and design documentation. Familiarise yourself with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, and be ready to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    Since interfacing with stakeholders is key, think of instances where you've successfully communicated complex technical information to non-technical audiences. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between engineering and operational teams.

    Principal Engineer | Head Of Engineering in Whitehaven
    Ignite Talent Group
    Location: Whitehaven

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