At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering excellence and ensure safe, compliant operations of critical infrastructure.
- Company: Join a pioneering team in the nuclear industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence at all organisational levels.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on engineering strategies and safety in a complex environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with extensive experience in nuclear or industrial engineering.
A vacancy has arisen for a Principal Engineer to join our Infrastructure Programme Engineering team. This is a pivotal role at the heart of facility engineering, acting as the primary technical authority, safeguarding engineering integrity, and ensuring that critical plant and infrastructure remain safe, compliant, and fully operational throughout their lifecycle. As the driving force behind engineering excellence, you will influence everything from plant performance and maintenance strategies to long term operational planning and decommissioning readiness. You’ll provide expert guidance to senior leaders, oversee engineering governance, and ensure that modifications, upgrades, and day to day activities are delivered to the highest standards.
What you will be doing
In this role, you will shape and govern the engineering framework that underpins the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the site. You’ll manage the development of technical strategies and processes, ensure robust integration with safety and environmental requirements, and provide authoritative oversight across engineering governance, competence, and project delivery.
Key Deliverables for the role are:
- Control the development, validation and continuous improvement of engineering strategies, procedures and technical governance across complex projects.
- Assist projects to develop an engineering and safety case delivery strategy, optimising plans to respond to changes when necessary and integrate engineering activities with safety, environmental, waste, and regulatory requirements, maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage investigations, assess engineering capability, and manage Design Authority arrangements to ensure high‑quality, compliant engineering performance.
- Provide guidance as a line manager, developing a capable technical organisation and ensuring consistent application of specifications, authorisations and project support.
Who we are looking for
You will bring significant engineering expertise and professional credibility to this role, combining deep technical knowledge with the ability to influence and represent the organisation at all levels. Drawing on substantial experience across the full engineering lifecycle, ideally within a nuclear or similarly complex industrial environment, you’ll apply sound judgement, strong stakeholder skills, and a proven understanding of Dounreay’s modification and governance requirements.
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with extensive nuclear or industrial engineering experience.
- Strong ability to collaborate across programmes, facilities, safety case teams, and multidisciplinary engineering functions.
- Confident representing the organisation at internal and external forums, including effective engagement with regulators.
- Post specific capability analysis assessment.
We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 17 August 2026, however, please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. If you require assistance at any point during the recruitment process contact careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk at the appropriate time so we can make any necessary, reasonable adjustment.
Principal Engineer employer: Nda Group
Nda Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Dounreay where innovation meets safety in the nuclear decommissioning sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension contribution and flexible working options, we foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in health physics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨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 Principal Engineer 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 Principal Engineer 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 Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer, 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.
