At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to deliver innovative nuclear fuel solutions and ensure project success.
- Company: Join Urenco, a global leader in low-carbon energy and nuclear fuel production.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible benefits, and personalised training for your career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sustainable energy sector while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Process Engineering or related field; leadership experience in engineering projects required.
Help us to make a world of difference. Urenco is a global leader in the production of low-carbon energy, playing a critical role in delivering secure, reliable nuclear fuel solutions worldwide. We are focused on enabling the sustainable generation of electricity for customers around the world while operating to the highest environmental, social, and regulatory standards.
In addition, as part of a strategically important industry, Urenco is now required to support the UK Government in exploring options to re-establish nuclear fuel capabilities to produce reactor fuel for defence purposes. To support this new project, we are seeking a Principal Process Engineer to join our Capenhurst/Birchwood site. In this role, you will work within our Government Services function as a key interface between site teams and Group stakeholders to ensure effective planning, coordination, and delivery across complex programmes.
At Urenco, we're committed to helping you be your best. If you feel you meet some, but not all, of what we're looking for, we still encourage you to apply. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people and offer market-leading training, development, coaching, and mentoring opportunities from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
About the Role
As a Principal Process Engineer, you will lead a team of highly skilled engineers, providing technical leadership, design oversight, and engineering expertise across major capital programmes. You will support the delivery of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and ensure designs are developed in line with Urenco standards, customer requirements, and industry best practice.
You will play a key role in guiding design development, supporting project delivery, acting as an intelligent customer for suppliers and contractors, and ensuring process engineering solutions are safe, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.
What You'll Do
- Lead Engineering Delivery
- Lead and manage a team of Process Engineers and Senior Process Engineers.
- Develop and deliver FEED packages, including Conceptual and Basic Design activities.
- Ensure designs are aligned with Urenco standards, customer requirements, and engineering best practice.
- Provide technical guidance and oversight throughout the design development process.
- Support Project Delivery
- Provide engineering support throughout project execution.
- Oversee detailed design activities and supplier engineering outputs.
- Support the review and approval of design deviations, concessions, and FAT/SAT activities.
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Develop Technical Capability
- Lead, develop, and mentor a team of engineers, ensuring continued technical excellence.
- Support training and development programmes to maintain Suitable Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) capability.
- Contribute to the development of engineering processes, procedures, and standards.
- Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the wider engineering community.
- Drive Quality & Safety
- Promote a proactive safety culture and learning-from-experience approach.
- Ensure designs meet Urenco best practice, customer requirements, and industry standards.
- Support innovation and the implementation of advanced process technology solutions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering and design assurance processes.
What Do You Need to Thrive in This Role?
Qualifications
- Degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Nuclear Science, or a related discipline.
- Professional accreditation or relevant specialist training desirable.
Experience
- Experience leading engineering teams and delivering major plant or infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience in FEED, design development, and project delivery within regulated environments.
- Demonstrable expertise in Process Engineering.
Technical & Leadership Capability
- Strong understanding of engineering design, design management, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain design intent throughout the project lifecycle.
Behavioural Attributes
- Collaborative and customer-focused approach.
- Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
What Can You Expect From Us?
More than just a job, we offer a future. More than just a place to work, we provide an opportunity to prosper.
As a valued member of our team, you will receive:
- Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day every two years (up to 30 days), plus 13 additional flexible days.
- Option to buy or sell up to 5 holiday days.
- Family-Friendly Policies: A wide range of policies to support work-life balance and family needs.
- Bonus Scheme: A competitive bonus scheme based on company and individual performance.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution plan with up to 16% employer contribution.
- Private Medical & Dental Cover: Single cover, with the option to purchase additional benefits.
- Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, income protection, and benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
- Training & Development: Personalised learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.
Security Vetting
Due to the nature of the industry in which Urenco operates, successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of the required vetting and screening checks.
Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
As a truly global organisation with operations in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, we know that our differences make us stronger. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.
Because together, we are One Urenco. We are enriching the world. And enriching your future.
Principal Process Engineer employer: URENCO UK Ltd
Urenco is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Capenhurst/Birchwood site, where you can contribute to the global transition towards sustainable energy. We prioritise employee growth through extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. With generous benefits including flexible leave options, a competitive bonus scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Urenco is dedicated to helping you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Process 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 Process Engineer role you’re after at URENCO UK Ltd.
✨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 URENCO UK Ltd 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 URENCO UK Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Process Engineer at URENCO UK Ltd, 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 Process Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Process 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 URENCO UK Ltd 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 URENCO UK Ltd 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 URENCO UK Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with URENCO UK Ltd, 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 URENCO UK Ltd 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.
