Principal Civil Structural Engineer

-; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Civil Structural Engineer based in Sheffield, focused on major nuclear projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. The role requires extensive experience in nuclear safety structure design, project leadership, and team mentoring. Candidates should hold a chartered status with a relevant institution and possess the ability to engage clients and develop strategic business opportunities. The position offers a dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in nuclear industry design and management.
• Experience in mentoring engineers and managing teams.
• Strong background in safety case consulting.
• Capacity to influence clients and develop business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects in nuclear engineering.
• Oversee design and consulting for nuclear safety related structures.
• Engage with clients to deliver innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop team capabilities.

Skills

Team leadership

Nuclear safety analysis

Client engagement

Strategic business development

Education

Chartered engineer status (IStructE, ICE or equivalent)

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Principal Civil Structural Engineer with a strong track record in design and management within the nuclear industry? Do you thrive on leading teams, mentoring engineers, and driving business growth while applying your technical expertise to deliver complex projects?

We are looking for Principal Civil Structural Engineers to join our growing team in Sheffield and Manchester. You will play a key role in delivering major new‑build nuclear projects including Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programmes and future fusion reactor technologies. As a technical and managerial leader, you will oversee multidisciplinary projects, engage with clients, develop teams, and contribute to securing future work.

You will bring demonstrable design and management experience in the nuclear sector, including line and team management, mentoring junior engineers, and the ability to support growth of our Power New Build business. If you are an established industry expert looking for a new challenge, we want to hear from you. You will be working a minimum of 3 days per week from a Power New Build office or client office.

Your Purpose:

You should have a proven track record and experience in several key areas including:

• Extensive experience in the analysis and design of nuclear safety related structures and/or the assessment of existing nuclear facilities.
• Consulting with safety case, external hazard and internal hazard personnel on the development and substantiation of safety functional requirements.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
• Managing and mentoring multiple team members, developing junior engineers, and providing technical oversight.
• Client and stakeholder engagement, understanding their needs and delivering innovative solutions.
• Strategic business development, including writing bids, securing new work, and expanding client relationships.

What You Can Bring:

• A chartered status with a recognised civil or structural engineering institution (IStructE, ICE, or equivalent).
• A passion for leading and inspiring teams while fostering technical excellence.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to influence clients, develop business opportunities, and secure projects.
• The ability to think innovatively, simplify complex problems, and deliver practical, proportionate solutions.
• Enthusiasm for supporting and shaping the future of the UK's nuclear energy sector.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

The UK is the first major economy to legislate for a Net Zero target by 2050. To achieve this, our Energy Teams are ensuring a mix of secure and sustainable energies that can meet our industry and lifestyle demands today, and in 30 years' time. We help to power our world through exciting new technologies and intelligent cyber‑security systems on projects that vary greatly in size, scope, and scale. So, you’ll be creating the right safe and resilient systems across nuclear power, renewables, decarbonisation development, new builds and energy efficiency.

We value your diversity and believe that everyone deserves to thrive - no exceptions. You’ll be part of a culture committed to finding new talent from under‑represented groups. We are Disability Confident, an Inclusive Employer, and support STEM Returners. We also want to see more women in senior roles at AtkinsRéalis. In the energy sector, we've signed up to the AXIS Pledge, promising to make equal pay, equal leadership, and equal opportunities a reality.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

#LI-Energy #NPCivilsJobs

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.