Lead Process Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a seasoned Process Engineer to provide technical leadership within the Fluid Systems team. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in the design and integration of process systems in the nuclear sector. You will leverage your engineering expertise and problem-solving skills to manage risks, ensure safety, and promote a strong safety culture. With hybrid working arrangements between home and the Bristol office, you will play a pivotal role in driving technical resolutions and stakeholder engagement. Join a dedicated team focused on powering a diverse nuclear future.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in systems engineering, ideally in a nuclear environment.
• Proven understanding of thermal-hydraulics and fluid mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture for BNI fluid systems and provide expert guidance.
• Drive resolution of technical points and ensure integration into documentation.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Fluid Mechanics

Thermal-Hydraulic Modelling

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Process Engineering

Job description

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Westlakes Recruit are currently recruiting for an experienced Process Engineer at Senior, Principal or Lead level ideally with a background in the Nuclear sector to be engaged on a permanent basis, with hybrid working between your home location and their Bristol office.

As a Technical Lead Process Engineer, you will take a key role within the Fluid Systems team—providing technical leadership and oversight on the design and integration of process systems supporting site operations. You'll use your engineering knowledge, problem-solving ability, and communication skills to steer technical resolution, manage risk, and ensure safe and functional system designs. Key responsibilities will be:

Technical Leadership

• Own and lead the system architecture for assigned Balance of Nuclear Island (BNI) fluid systems
• Provide expert guidance on system design, fluid mechanics, thermal-hydraulic modelling, and related topics
• Supervise and support system engineers on design queries, calculations, technical direction, and quality assurance
• Perform technical checks of system deliverables, design changes, and documentation
• Promote and embed a strong safety culture within the team

Project Integration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Drive resolution of technical open points and define specifications for design changes
• Lead impact assessments, challenge design modifications, and ensure integration into system documentation
• Represent Fluid Systems in forums and committees to achieve cross-functional alignment on system performance, safety, and functionality
• Act as an interface between internal teams (system engineering, layout, nuclear safety, I&C, etc.) and external stakeholders (contractors, suppliers, NNB teams)

Delivery & Improvement

• Monitor progress against key engineering milestones and intervene when necessary to reduce risks and maintain schedule
• Identify delivery risks early and work collaboratively to resolve or escalate
• Contribute to continuous improvement through lessons learned, peer training, and process enhancements

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Process Engineering (or equivalent)
• 5-10+ years of experience in systems engineering, ideally in a nuclear or large-scale industrial project environment
• Proven understanding of thermal-hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and process engineering design
• Familiarity with UK regulations and safety standards related to fluid systems or BNI systems

Why We're Different: Westlakes Recruit is a people solutions business that understands the complexities of nuclear and the importance of our clients' mission-critical objectives.

Smarter, faster, more agile - we have a laser focus on nuclear, with deep sectoral knowledge.

We develop nuclear talent pools before you know you need them! We do Nuclear. We only do Nuclear. We do all of Nuclear.

Powering a Diverse Nuclear Future: As an equal opportunities business, we value applications.