Lead Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear Site Projects

ZipRecruiter; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for specialized mechanical engineering activities at the Sellafield site. This hands-on role focuses on ensuring safety, compliance, and quality in mechanical assemblies within a high-hazard nuclear environment. Ideal candidates possess significant nuclear sector experience and strong technical leadership skills.

Benefits

Access to training and development opportunities

32 days of annual leave, including bank holidays

Extra day off for birthday

Life assurance of 4 x basic salary

Flexible holiday purchase scheme

Company pension

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

Company-paid sick pay

Referral program

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical engineering within the nuclear sector.
• Demonstrated strong technical leadership in installation and commissioning.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical standards and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical installation, testing, and maintenance of door systems.
• Enforce adherence to Sellafield’s permit-to-work and safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate mechanical records and conduct failure analyses.

Skills

Fault-finding

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship (e.g., NVQ Level 3) AND/OR HNC/HND/Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to spearhead all mechanical engineering activities for our specialised door systems on the Sellafield site. In this hands‑on, safety‑critical role you will lead the review, installation, commissioning, maintenance and continuous improvement of mechanical assemblies—ensuring every component meets the rigorous demands of a high‑hazard nuclear environment. A key objective will be achieving your formal Sellafield site nomination and upholding SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel) standards.

About You

You are a highly competent and experienced mechanical engineer with a proven track record of delivering complex installation and maintenance projects within nuclear environments. You thrive in safety-critical settings, taking pride in your ability to lead by example, solve problems under pressure, and ensure that all work meets the highest standards of technical quality and compliance.

Your expertise spans mechanical systems, industrial control technologies, and the rigorous safety frameworks that underpin work at sites like Sellafield. You are motivated, hands-on, and capable of coordinating teams on the ground while working collaboratively with project managers, client representatives, and fellow engineers.

You understand the importance of Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) principles in nuclear operations. You communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure, and bring a meticulous, safety-first approach to everything you do.

To be successful in this role, you will:

· Have significant experience in mechanical engineering within the nuclear sector.

· Demonstrate strong technical leadership in installation, commissioning, and fault resolution.

· Proficiency at mentoring and developing team members’ technical skills and operational discipline.

· Possess deep knowledge of mechanical standards and Sellafield permit-to-work systems.

· Show unwavering commitment to nuclear safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

· Be confident managing teams, validating technical work, and driving continuous improvement.

· Be flexible, resilient, and ready to operate in a dynamic site-based role, including emergency cover and occasional off-site work.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the mechanical installation, alignment, testing, commissioning, and preventative maintenance of Clark Door systems.
• Validate mechanical designs.
• Supervise on‑site mechanical fitters and subcontractors, providing expert troubleshooting for complex mechanical faults.

Compliance & Safety (Nuclear Focus)

• Enforce strict adherence to Sellafield’s permittowork and safety procedures.
• Apply relevant mechanical and nuclear industry standards (BS EN ISO 3834, ASME, etc.) and Clark Door QA/QC protocols.
• Act as a safety champion—leading toolbox talks, hazard hunts, and post‑job reviews to foster continuous improvement.

Site Nomination & SQEP

• Ensure all personnel under your supervision are SQEP‑compliant for their mechanical tasks.
• Oversee mechanical design reviews, peer checks, and approvals in line with Clark Door and SLSP/SLP procedures.

Operational Support

• Maintain accurate mechanical records: drawings, maintenance logs, and parts inventories.
• Collaborate on resource planning, scheduling and budget forecasting for mechanical works.
• Conduct detailed failure analyses, root‑cause investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements).

Person Specification

All criteria are essential unless marked as (D) for desirable.

Education and qualifications

· Recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship (e.g., NVQ Level 3) AND/OR HNC/HND/Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Experience, knowledge and understanding

· Proven senior Mechanical Engineer (Lead/Supervisory) in nuclear or heavyindustrial sectors.

· In‑depth knowledge of mechanical standards (ISO, ASME, BS EN) and permit‑to‑work systems.

· Strong track record in structured fault‑finding and preventative maintenance.

Skills

· Proficiency in relevant Microsoft Office packages.

· Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills.

· Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Personal qualities and commitment

· Hard-working, motivated, and resilient under pressure.

· Collaborative team player with a positive and proactive attitude.

· Uncompromising commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.

· Professional and customer-focused approach.

· Committed to driving continuous improvement within the Service department.

· Meticulous with strong attention to detail.

Other factors

· Flexible approach to working hours, including out-of-hours emergency cover as needed.

· Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel to the Sellafield site and other locations as required.

· Right to work in the UK.

· Ability to obtain necessary security clearances for Sellafield site access.

WHAT WE OFFER

Salary - Up to £43 000

Hours of Work: 39 hours per week from Monday to Friday.

Benefits:

• Grow with us: Get access to training, development and career growth opportunities.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 32 days of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Extra Day Off: Celebrate your birthday with a day off—no annual leave required!
• Life assurance of 4 x basic salary.
• Flexible Options: Take advantage of our holiday purchase scheme to suit your needs.
• Financial Support: Company pension and employee discount programs for added savings.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support growing families.
• Well-Being Initiatives: Access our cycle-to-work scheme and enjoy additional store discounts.
• Referral Rewards: Join our referral programme to earn bonuses for great recommendations.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Benefit from company-paid sick pay for peace of mind.