Nuclear Systems Lead – Principal Mechanical & Structural in London

Vulcain Engineering, an international engineering consultancy, supports global industrial leaders in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future. We support our customers in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of their complex infrastructure projects that will shape the world of tomorrow. With operations in 17 countries and employing over 6,000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by delivering high-value engineering expertise tailored to our clients’ most complex challenges. In the UK, we have a key focus in the Nuclear sector, contributing to ground-breaking projects such as Hinkley Point C (HPC).

The Position: Principal Mechanical & Structural Engineer

Vulcain Engineering is seeking an experienced Mechanical or Structural Engineering leader to support the development of large-scale, complex structural systems within an advanced nuclear programme based in Oxfordshire. This is an exciting opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive design maturity, and shape the delivery of highly regulated, safety-critical infrastructure from concept through to detailed definition and substantiation.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal Mechanical & Structural Engineer will include:

• Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and providing technical direction across complex structural design activities.
• Driving the development and maturation of structural support systems from concept through detailed design and substantiation.
• Managing engineering activities, priorities and delivery plans to ensure programme objectives are achieved.
• Overseeing structural analysis activities, including finite element analysis, and reviewing technical outputs.
• Developing and managing system requirements, interfaces, assumptions, risks and verification strategies.
• Producing, reviewing and approving engineering calculations, technical reports and design documentation.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to support project delivery and technical decision-making.
• Representing the engineering function at programme reviews and ensuring alignment across multiple disciplines.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced engineering, tackling some of the most technically challenging problems in industry. You will play a key role in influencing design decisions, mentoring engineers, and delivering innovative solutions within a collaborative and highly skilled team environment. If you enjoy combining technical leadership, systems thinking and complex structural engineering, this position provides an excellent platform to make a significant impact.

Alongside a commitment to our values of care & compassion, performance, team spirit, and inclusiveness, we are looking for individuals who can bring the following:

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams within highly regulated or safety-critical industries such as Nuclear, Fusion, Aerospace, Defence or Energy.
• Strong background in structural design, assessment and substantiation of complex engineering systems.
• Experience developing designs from concept through detailed definition, verification and delivery.
• Strong finite element analysis (FEA) knowledge, ideally with experience using ANSYS and leading analysis activities or teams.
• Good understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, interface management, risk management and verification planning.
• Experience producing, reviewing and approving engineering calculations, substantiation reports and technical documentation.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working at Chartered level) through IMechE, IStructE, ICE or an equivalent professional institution is highly desirable.
• Reside locally to Oxfordshire or be prepared to relocate, as this permanent role does not include travel expense coverage.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on role criticality and project needs. Many of our UK projects require high-level security clearance, meaning we can often only consider candidates with an existing, indefinite right to work in the UK. Exceptionally, we may consider visa sponsorship for applicants with niche experience aligned to our core work (e.g. EPR/nuclear new build).

Remuneration & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background. Whether you're earlier in your career or bring more senior-level expertise, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your skills, or if you're open to discussing other opportunities within this discipline.

Benefits

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including: 25 Days Annual Leave +