Area Lead Mechanical

Progressive Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks an experienced Area Lead to manage critical workstreams for a pioneering project converting uranium from spent nuclear fuel into new fuel. This role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, ensuring project compliance, and technical delivery in the nuclear sector. Ideal candidates possess a degree in engineering and proven leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design and analysis (stress, fatigue, fracture mechanics).
• Experience with pressure vessel and piping systems in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of fuel reprocessing operations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team across mechanical, nuclear, and chemical domains.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Drive schedule adherence, cost control, and risk management.

Skills

Mechanical design and analysis

Leadership and team management

Pressure vessel systems

Nuclear fuel cycle knowledge

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Area Lead to oversee critical workstreams within a pioneering initiative aimed at converting uranium recovered from spent nuclear fuel into new fuel for future reactors. This role is integral to delivering a project that enhances national energy independence and fuel security.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team across mechanical, nuclear, and chemical domains.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

Technical Delivery

• Oversee design, development, and implementation of processes for recovered uranium fuel utilisation.
• Provide technical guidance on mechanical systems, nuclear fuel cycle, and chemical processing.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with internal teams, regulators, and external partners.
• Represent the organisation in technical forums and client meetings.

Project Management

• Drive schedule adherence, cost control, and risk management.
• Report progress to senior leadership and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.

Proven experience in:

• Mechanical design and analysis (stress, fatigue, fracture mechanics).
• Pressure vessel and piping systems in regulated environments.
• Nuclear fuel cycle or fuel reprocessing technologies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of fuel reprocessing operations or similar facilities is highly desirable.

Desirable Skills

Chartered Engineer status.

Familiarity with:

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• High-integrity materials for nuclear environments.
• Welding, fabrication, and structural integrity for safety-critical components.
• Experience in hazard analysis, safety case development, and licensing processes.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a groundbreaking project shaping the future of nuclear energy.
• Work with industry-leading experts in a collaborative environment.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career progression.

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