EC&I Hardware Design Engineer

NRL Recruitment; Risley; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL Recruitment is seeking a seasoned EC&I hardware engineer to design electrical enclosures, control panels, and interface systems for safety-critical nuclear projects. Based in Warrington with hybrid pattern, you’ll develop AutoCAD drawings and design packages across full lifecycle, from concept through commissioning, while collaborating with manufacturing teams.

You will ensure compliance with IET Wiring Regulations and CDM, perform cable routing and load calculations, support design reviews,

Qualifications

• Proven experience in EC&I hardware design for engineering projects.
• Knowledge of electrical enclosures, control panels, MCCs and interfaces.
• IET Wiring Regulations and CDM Regulations knowledge.
• Ability to route cables and design compliant layouts.
• Experience with design reviews and documentation packages.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical enclosures, control panels, and interface systems.
• Produce detailed AutoCAD drawings and design packages.
• Prepare and manage general assemblies, I/O schedules, cable calculations and routing, and power load and heat calculations.
• Support design reviews, site visits, and assessments as part of project delivery.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure technical integrity and quality.
• Produce supporting documentation such as test specifications, installation method statements, inspection reports, and quality records.

Skills

AutoCAD

EC&I hardware design

Electrical design

Control panels

MCCs

Electrical enclosures

Cable routing

System integration

IET Wiring Regs

CDM Regs

Education

Electrical/EC&I Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Join a team that designs and delivers safety-critical control and automation systems within the nuclear sector. This role is ideal for someone experienced in EC&I hardware design who wants to work across full project lifecycles, from concept design through to commissioning, within a highly regulated engineering environment.

Location and Working Pattern

Based in Warrington with hybrid working (typically 2-3 days per week in the office, depending on project requirements). Flexible working hours are available to support work-life balance. UK travel may be required for site visits and commissioning activities.

Client Overview

Our client is a leading engineering organisation delivering complex, safety‑critical control and automation systems for the nuclear industry. Their work demands high standards of technical excellence, safety, and delivery performance. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership, challenge assumptions, and deliver robust solutions as part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical enclosures, control panels, and interface systems.
• Produce detailed AutoCAD drawings and design packages.
• Prepare and manage general assemblies, I/O schedules, cable calculations and routing, and power load and heat calculations.
• Support design reviews, site visits, and assessments as part of project delivery.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure technical integrity and quality.
• Produce supporting documentation such as test specifications, installation method statements, inspection reports, and quality records.

Must‑have Requirements

• Proven experience using AutoCAD for electrical design work.
• Strong background in EC&I hardware design within engineering projects.
• Experience designing control panels, MCCs, or electrical enclosures.
• Knowledge of IET Wiring Regulations and CDM Regulations.
• Understanding of cable routing, panel layouts, and system integration.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Nice‑to‑have Skills

• Experience with PLC, HMI, or SCADA systems.
• Previous work in regulated industries such as nuclear, defence, or pharmaceuticals.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508).
• Knowledge of Sellafield standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC (or equivalent experience) in Electrical or EC&I Engineering.
• BPSS clearance required, with eligibility for SC clearance.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.