Engineering Lead in Birmingham

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Lead to join Wlischmiller (WMUK) formally CarrsMSM. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will provide hands-on technical leadership and delivery oversight for the engineering function, taking responsibility for a diverse portfolio of mechanical design and remote handling projects from concept development through to successful project completion. This is an exciting opportunity to shape engineering delivery within a small, high-performing team that is making a significant impact across the UK and global nuclear decommissioning sector.

As a key member of the team, you will combine strong mechanical engineering expertise with day-to-day management of the engineering team. You will ensure technical excellence across all design activities, drive the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget, and maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated nuclear environment.

We are looking for an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong technical foundation and a demonstrable track record of leading engineering teams and delivering complex projects. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and proactive leader, capable of balancing technical problem-solving with effective project and people management. Occasional travel to customer sites and other company locations across the UK will be required.

The Company Wlischmiller is a leading UK-based engineering organisation specialising in the design, manufacture, installation, and servicing of telemanipulators and remote-handling systems for the nuclear sector. Known for exceptional reliability, precision engineering, and over 30 years of specialist expertise, the company supports critical activities in hot cells, research environments, post-irradiation examination labs, and fuel reprocessing facilities.

We offer a highly technical, safety-focused environment where engineering innovation and quality standards are central to our success. During the next 3 years, we plan to offer our customers some truly world-leading products with the aim of establishing ourselves as a leader in the provision of Remote Handling solutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Produce, check, and approve robust, compliant mechanical design solutions from client and project specifications, national standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the technical direction of complex mechanism and special purpose machinery design, including remote handling equipment for radioactive environments.
• Review designs and drawings for suitability for manufacture, chairing or contributing to manufacturability reviews.
• Produce and verify design calculations, checking your own and others technical solutions for completeness and correctness.
• Act as technical authority and point of escalation for the engineering team on design queries and problem-solving.
• Take ownership of engineering delivery on allocated projects, from order placement through to completion, coordinating engineering documentation and workshop activity in line with programme plans.
• Work closely with key project stakeholders and Production to plan and prioritise workshop loading, resource, and material availability.
• Carry out project reviews to ensure cost, time, and quality targets are being achieved, flagging risks and variances early.
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients, acting as a technical point of contact and providing first-class service.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and mentoring for the WMUK engineering team, supporting technical development and professional growth.
• Foster a high-performance, safety-first delivery culture, leading by example on all matters relating to health, safety, and quality.
• Provide engineering cost and resource input into commercial bids, estimates, and project budgets.

What you need for the role:

• Degree level qualification in Mechanical Engineering or similar, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong, demonstrable technical background in mechanical design, ideally including complex mechanisms and/or special purpose machinery.
• Proven experience leading or closely supporting the delivery of engineering projects from concept through to completion, to time, cost, and quality targets.
• Experience providing day-to-day guidance, mentoring, or line management to other engineers.
• Excellent knowledge of 3D CAD systems (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and associated 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Knowledge of GD&T to BS8888:2020.
• Commercial awareness, including the ability to prioritise workshop loading, manage resource, and contribute to project budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to present technical topics clearly to a range of audiences.
• Willingness to represent the company at client sites, conferences, and exhibitions.

Why Join Us?

• A chance to shape the engineering delivery in a small team making a big impact in UK, and worldwide, nuclear decommissioning.
• Take on a role with real technical ownership and autonomy, as a trusted technical authority within the business.
• Work in a close-knit, collaborative team where your influence and ideas make a genuine difference.
• Be part of a specialist engineering business operating at the forefront of remote handling technology.

All successful candidates will be subject to a BPSS security check.

How will you be rewarded?

• In this role you will receive excellent pension contributions and life insurance.
• You will receive 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Employees may also be eligible to participate in a salary sacrifice cycle, technology and car scheme and a Employ Stock Purchase Plan.
• We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Portal providing confidential support and advice whenever you need it most.
• To help you with everyday healthcare needs you will also be provided with a health cash plan.

For any queries or should you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please let your recruiter know when they contact you. At WMUK creating an inclusive culture is integral to our values. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive in their career. All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored securely. This is used throughout the company for the selection of suitable candidates. We respect your privacy, and we are committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice on our website. WMUK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.