At a Glance
- Tasks: Support key decommissioning projects and resolve technical issues in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join NRS Dounreay, a leader in nuclear decommissioning in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to work on significant projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and environmental protection in a critical national programme.
- Qualifications: HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with practical experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
NRS Dounreay is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to support the safe and successful delivery of key decommissioning projects. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your engineering expertise within a challenging and rewarding environment, helping to deliver a safer future.
Join NRS Dounreay and play a key role in one of the UK's most significant nuclear decommissioning programmes. As a Mechanical Project Engineer, you'll provide technical expertise to support the safe and efficient defuelling of the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), helping to deliver nationally important projects in a unique and highly regulated environment.
What you will be doing
- Play a pivotal part in ensuring the successful defuel of the DFR Reactor.
- Support operational progress, assisting in the resolution of emergent technical issues from operational activities.
- 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.
- Resolve technical queries and develop appropriate solutions for operational problems.
- Create technical documentation including engineering reports, proposals, specifications, calculations and reviews.
What you will bring
- Valuable experience from a Mechanical Project Engineering environment, with exposure operations in controlled areas.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers, designers and project operations.
- 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 NRS 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 ** 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
Engineer Mechanical employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hawthorn, Corsham, where innovation meets collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including a matched contribution pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and initiatives like Be Kind Day for volunteering. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer Mechanical
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Nuclearinst.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Nuclearinst love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Nuclearinst and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer Mechanical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Nuclearinst and the Engineer Mechanical role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Nuclearinst.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Nuclearinst.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Nuclearinst, making you a more appealing candidate.
