Principal Civil Structural Engineer in Liverpool

PRINCIPAL STRUCTURAL ENGINEER – NUCLEAR ENERGY

Shape the future of nuclear infrastructure by leading safety-critical engineering on projects that truly matter.

This is a senior role for an experienced structural engineer who wants to operate at technical authority level while driving meaningful outcomes in a highly regulated, purpose-led sector. You will lead complex engineering delivery, influence standards and strategy, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

Working across major nuclear programmes, you will combine deep technical expertise with leadership, client engagement and innovation. With flexible working at its core and long-term project pipelines, this role offers both professional challenge and stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Responsible Engineer and Technical Authority on major nuclear projects.
• Lead civil and structural engineering strategy, standards and best practice.
• Direct project delivery from bid stage through design to construction.
• Take full accountability for cost, schedule and quality of complex packages.
• Provide technical leadership and governance for safety-critical systems.
• Oversee safety case inputs including SFRs, SDMSs and Design Substantiation Reports.
• Review and approve detailed design deliverables and technical documentation.
• Engage with clients, regulators and industry bodies at senior level.
• Mentor, develop and grow civil and structural engineering capability.
• Drive innovation, digital tools and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree-qualified in civil engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer with a recognised professional institution.
• Proven leadership as a Technical Lead or Responsible Engineer.
• Extensive experience in nuclear or other highly regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of nuclear safety, regulation and quality assurance.
• Expertise in civil and structural design standards, including ACI, ASCE and AISC.
• Experience with finite element modelling and verification.
• Understanding of BIM-enabled design environments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder and client engagement skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

What’s in it for you

The nuclear energy sector offers rare long-term stability combined with cutting-edge engineering challenge. You will work on nationally significant projects that support energy security, sustainability and net zero ambitions, while continuously developing your technical and leadership capability.

• Long-term, secure project pipelines
• Work on safety-critical, high-impact infrastructure
• Clear progression to senior technical leadership
• Flexible and hybrid working patterns
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Investment in training and professional development
• Opportunity to influence industry standards and innovation

Company Overview

Our Client is a global leader in advanced engineering and technology solutions, delivering complex programmes across energy, science and security. With a strong safety-first culture, collaborative mindset and global reach, they empower engineers to challenge convention and drive progress. Their teams are trusted to deliver some of the most critical and technically demanding projects worldwide, supported by a commitment to wellbeing, development and inclusion.