At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Dounreay as a Mechanical Design Engineer and contribute to the DFR Reactor defuel programme.
- Company: Dounreay, a key player in national engineering projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national safety and environmental standards.
- Qualifications: HND in Mechanical Engineering and experience in design engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer looking to apply your expertise to a project of national significance? Join Dounreay and play a key role in the DFR Reactor defuel programme, where your technical knowledge will help deliver safe, innovative and effective engineering solutions.
The Breeder Fuel Project Team at NRS Dounreay are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to support the delivery of design packages in support of the Breeder Fuel D1100 operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in the delivery of design packages, ensuring activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements.
What you will be doing
In this role, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the successful defuel of the DFR Reactor. You will prepare essential design documentation, including design reports, fabrication drawings and acceptance testing schedules, while supporting operational readiness through coordination of manufacture, trialling, testing and CDM arrangements. Your involvement will contribute directly to safe, compliant, and efficient project execution. You will also support operational progress, assisting in the resolution of emergent technical issues from operational activities. Additionally, you’ll provide valuable input into procurement, contractor engagement, governance, reporting, and other activities that underpin robust project performance.
Key Deliverables:
- Apply health, safety, environmental and waste management processes with engineering activities taking advice where necessary from appropriate specialists.
- Ensure designs are compliant with the relevant regulations.
- Resolve technical queries and develop appropriate solutions for operational problems.
- Create design documentation including engineering reports, proposals, specifications, calculations, drawing and reviews.
What you will bring
You will bring valuable experience from a Mechanical Design Engineering environment, with exposure operations in controlled areas. Your strong communication and interpersonal skills enable you to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers and project operations, while your solid understanding of CDM Regulations, Mechanical Engineering, and site control processes ensures safe and compliant project delivery.
Key attributes:
- Practical experience across Mechanical‑related disciplines, supported by strong technical understanding and safety awareness.
- Excellent communication, organisational capability, and confidence working within fast‑paced site environments.
- Proactive approach to safety, compliance and continuous improvement.
- HND Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
Why Join Dounreay?
- Play an integral role in a critical national programme.
- Contribute to the safe and effective delivery of complex decommissioning activities.
- Help uphold the highest standards of health, safety, environment, and quality.
- Make a direct impact on protecting people, the environment, and site infrastructure.
- Benefits such as; 13.5% employer pension contribution, 28 days annual leave + bank holiday, Company bonus scheme, Flexible working, Relocation assistance, Excellent flexible benefits & healthcare options.
Interviews are expected week commencing Monday 26th of October 2026. Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage early application. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk
Design Engineer Mechanical employer: Nda Group
NRS Dounreay is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on environmental compliance and improvement. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts in a highly regulated setting. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sustainability and environmental leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer Mechanical
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Engineer Mechanical role you’re after at Nda Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Nda Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Nda Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Engineer Mechanical at Nda Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer Mechanical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Engineer Mechanical, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Nda Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Nda Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nda Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Nda Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Nda Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
