Senior Engineer RPI Metrology in Thurso

Are you looking for a role where your expertise directly strengthens nuclear safety and influences critical decision making? Do you thrive in environments where precision, quality and regulatory excellence truly matter? As a Senior Engineer in Radiation Protection Instrumentation (RPI) Metrology, you’ll become the go‑to specialist for RPI across the Dounreay site, shaping standards, assuring compliance and guiding technical excellence. While this is a Senior Engineer role, we welcome applicants looking to grow into the position. Full training and development will be provided for the right individual.

What You Will Do

• Ensure the safe, compliant and effective management of RPI by providing specialist technical leadership, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining strong relationships with regulators, manufacturers and nuclear industry stakeholders.
• Support the full lifecycle of RPI, from selection and calibration through to obsolescence management, while upholding rigorous statutory, regulatory and quality standards.
• Ensure robust technical governance and contribute to investigations.
• Oversee the competence, development and appointment of RPI personnel, acting as a Qualified Person and managing staff to deliver high quality, safe and reliable RPI services.
• Maintain regulatory compliance through expert advice on RPI selection, maintenance, examination, testing and calibration processes.
• Lead improvements in RPI processes, strategies and engineering solutions while supporting technical governance, investigations and procurement activities.
• Collaborate effectively with regulators, manufacturers and nuclear stakeholders, ensuring accurate communication on RPI issues and equipment developments.
• May manage staff, assess competence, identify training needs and perform duties as an appointed Qualified Person for RPI calibration.

What You Will Bring

• A degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (or equivalent), plus the commitment and capability to progress into the full Senior Engineer position through supported training.
• A good communicator with strong stakeholder skills and confidence engaging colleagues, regulators and external partners on complex RPI issues.
• Sound knowledge of C&I and RPI equipment.
• Strong radiological knowledge, or willing and able to learn, in particular, how the Site complies with the Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR's), with the ability to interpret technical information and develop practical solutions.
• A proactive, organised and engaging approach, with the flexibility to support multiple priorities and uphold high professional standards.

Radiation Protection Instrumentation is essential to nuclear safety, and you’ll be at the centre of ensuring accuracy, reliability and compliance across the Dounreay site. You’ll shape processes, influence standards and contribute directly to the safety of people, the site and the wider community.

We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 27 April 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.

Some Reasons We Think You'll Love It Here

Please note: All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.