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- Tasks: Lead the design of bespoke mechanical systems for the nuclear sector.
- Company: Join a global leader in nuclear engineering based near Warrington.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £75,000 salary, excellent pension, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape innovation in a safety-critical environment with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in regulated industries and proficiency in CAD and FEA.
- Other info: Access outstanding professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Warrington, UK
Company: Global Nuclear Engineering OEM
Salary: £75,000 basic + Excellent Pension + Flexible & Hybrid Working + Outstanding Benefits
About the Role:
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a global leader in nuclear engineering, based near Warrington. This is a senior-level opportunity to lead the design and development of bespoke, complex, and heavy mechanical handling and process machinery. You will be instrumental in delivering high-integrity systems for the nuclear sector, overseeing projects from FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) through to final delivery. This role offers the chance to shape technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and influence innovation in a highly regulated and safety-critical environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the mechanical design of custom-engineered systems for nuclear and industrial applications.
- Manage full project lifecycle from concept and FEED to detailed design, manufacture, and delivery.
- Apply advanced CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) tools to develop and validate robust designs.
- Ensure compliance with industry codes and standards (ASME, BS EN, RCC-M, etc.).
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to design teams, fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including project management, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure successful project outcomes.
What We’re Looking For:
- Extensive experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer in a regulated industry (nuclear, defence, oil & gas, aerospace, etc.).
- Proven track record in leading the design of bespoke machinery, heavy mechanical handling systems, or process equipment.
- High proficiency in 3D CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Strong understanding of FEED, design for manufacture (DFM), and lifecycle engineering.
- Experience working to nuclear or safety-critical standards.
- Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
Why Join Us?
- Join a global OEM at the forefront of nuclear engineering innovation.
- Lead mission-critical projects with real-world impact.
- Thrive in a collaborative, technically challenging environment with clear career progression.
- Enjoy a competitive £75,000 basic salary, excellent pension, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Access to outstanding professional, career, and technical development opportunities.
Locations
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Progressive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Progressive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the nuclear engineering sector. Attend industry conferences, seminars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and possibly get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in mechanical design tools like SolidWorks and ANSYS. Consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your skills, as this will demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance to industry codes and standards during interviews. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've ensured adherence to safety-critical regulations in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership and mentoring experiences. Think of instances where you've guided teams or improved processes, as this aligns well with the role's responsibilities and will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in mechanical design, particularly in regulated industries like nuclear or aerospace. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for nuclear engineering and your ability to lead complex projects. Mention your proficiency in CAD and FEA tools, and how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in 3D CAD, FEA, and compliance with industry standards. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects to demonstrate your capability.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role involves mentoring and leading teams, include specific examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've fostered a culture of engineering excellence in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with advanced CAD tools like SolidWorks and Inventor, as well as FEA software such as ANSYS or Abaqus. Highlight specific projects where you applied these skills, especially in regulated industries.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and leading design teams, share examples of how you've successfully guided teams in previous positions. Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of engineering excellence and collaboration.
✨Understand Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant industry codes and standards such as ASME, BS EN, and RCC-M. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your designs and the importance of these standards in the nuclear sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in project lifecycles and how you managed them, particularly in safety-critical environments.
