Senior Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear Design & Assurance in Manchester

About Vulcain Engineering

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: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Vulcain Engineering is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support delivery activities within the UK nuclear sector, focused on facilities involved in the handling, treatment, and long-term storage of special nuclear materials. The role will embed within an integrated delivery team, providing mechanical engineering expertise, technical coordination, and design assurance across complex plant, equipment, and containment systems in a highly regulated environment.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Senior Mechanical Engineer will include:

• Provide senior mechanical engineering support within the nuclear sector, ensuring delivery aligns with safety, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Coordinate and manage mechanical engineering deliverables, acting as a focal point between designers, stakeholders, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Deliver technical oversight and design assurance of mechanical systems, ensuring solutions are safe, operable, and fully integrated.
• Review and challenge mechanical design outputs to confirm alignment with design intent, plant configuration, interfaces, and containment requirements.
• Support verification and validation activities, ensuring mechanical design justification is robust, proportionate, and traceable.
• Ensure mechanical solutions are suitable for the full asset lifecycle, including manufacture, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Provide technical input on contained, shielded, or enclosure-based mechanical systems, including glovebox-type or comparable containment equipment.
• Contribute to effective delivery through structured reporting, issue resolution, and proactive technical engagement.

Preferred Profile:

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent subject.
• Essential experience working within the UK nuclear sector, with an understanding of nuclear safety culture and regulatory expectations.
• Experience coordinating and technically directing designers delivering mechanical plant, equipment, and contained or shielded systems (e.g. gloveboxes or comparable containment equipment).
• Experience using Autodesk Inventor, with working knowledge of Autodesk Vault or equivalent engineering data management systems.
• Familiarity with BS 8888 / ISO GPS standards and their application to mechanical drawings and documentation.
• Practical experience supporting manufacture, inspection, and testing activities, including resolution of technical queries and production issues.
• Understanding of plant layout, equipment installation, alignment, and test activities, including works and integrated testing, with effective multi-disciplinary interaction.
• Willingness to work primarily office-based in Birchwood, Warrington, with occasional visits to supplier facilities in support of manufacture and testing.

This permanent position does not include travel expenses. 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. 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 + Bank Holidays, with the ability to swap bank holidays for cultural or religious celebrations
• Matched Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Neonatal Care Leave
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training & Development, including additional qualifications and accreditations relevant to your role
• Travel Insurance – for both business and personal travel
• Employee Assistance Programme

Why join us?

At Vulcain Engineering, we offer more than just a job, we offer a rewarding career with endless opportunities for growth and development. You’ll be part of a talented team of professionals working on exciting and meaningful projects and making a real impact to the nuclear industry. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your talents are valued, and your contributions are recognised. Join us in shaping the future of the nuclear industry and driving innovation to new heights. If you are ready to take on new challenges and unlock your full potential, we invite you to apply for our position.

Equal Opportunities:

Vulcain Engineering UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs. We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.