Principal Engineer

Assystem GmbH; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Assystem in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Engineer for a Defence contracting role near Helensburgh. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team within the Client Design Authority, ensuring design integrity for nuclear structures and systems and representing the authority with delegated powers.

Applicants should have extensive nuclear engineering experience, strong leadership, and expert knowledge of DCRs, DConRs, ONR, SAPs and ALARP.

Qualifications

• Experience on nuclear licensed sites within a Design Authority environment.
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of DCRs, DConRs and AC22 change control processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver DCRs and DConRs for nuclear infrastructure.
• Perform Independent Technical Assessments and governance activities.
• Ensure compliance with ONR, SAPs, TAGs and ALARP principles.
• Support safety cases with robust engineering evidence and design assurance.
• Engage with regulators and senior customers to manage technical interfaces.

Skills

Nuclear multi-discipline leadership

Design Change Requests (DCRs)

Design Concessions (DConRs)

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering degree (or equivalent)

IEng status or equivalent

Nuclear defence training desirable

Job description

# Principal Engineer* Defence* Contracting /* Helensburgh* United Kingdom* 20/07/26* On site* ShareI apply##Assystem is an international company with one mission: accelerate the energy transition around the world. Every day, our 6,500 switchers located in 12 countries (Europe, Middle East, Pacific Asia & Africa) connect their six thousand billion neurons to tackle the task of the century: switching to low-carbon energy. We are a collective committed to the actors who are making the energy switch. Sharing our knowledge, expertise and values allows us to innovate and think differently about the energy transition. Drawing on more than 55 years’ experience in highly regulated sectors subject to strict security and safety requirements, we provide our customers with engineering and project management services, as well as digital services and solutions to optimize the performance of complex infrastructure projects throughout their life cycle. The Group is currently ranked second in the world for nuclear engineering. To ensure a viable, efficient, and reliable energy future for all## Job DescriptionWe are looking for experienced Mechanical, Electrical or Civil Engineers to lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team within the Client Design Authority, They have the responsibility for ensuring that adequate design substation remains in place for Nuclear Structures, Systems and ComponentsOn demonstration of SQEP the postholder will be given Delegated Authority on behalf of the site Authorisee to represent the client Design Authority.**TASKS**The postholder will be responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team tasked with the production of AA(D) Design Change Requests (DCR’s) and Design Concessions (DConR) or assessment of those produced by a 3rd party.Key responsibilities include:* Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team delivering **Design Change Requests (DCRs)** and **Design Concessions (DConRs)** for nuclear infrastructure.* Extensive experience in nuclear engineering substantiation, ensuring compliance with **ONR**, **SAPs**, **TAGs**, Defence Nuclear Safety Regulations and **ALARP** principles.* Proven background supporting Nuclear Safety Cases through robust engineering evidence and design assurance.* Experienced in managing engineering change, commissioning, EIMT strategies and maintaining design intent throughout the asset lifecycle.* Lead Independent Technical Assessments (ITA), Peer Reviews (IPR) and technical governance activities.* Strong knowledge of hazard analysis, operational requirements and nuclear safety documentation.* Confident stakeholder manager, providing technical leadership to project teams, regulators and senior customers.* Results-driven engineering leader with a track record of delivering safe, compliant and high-quality solutions within highly regulated nuclear environments.## My profile**EXPERIENCE****Essential:**Candidate Profile* Previous experience working on **nuclear licensed/authorised sites** within a **Design Authority** environment, supporting engineering change and nuclear safety.* Experienced Mechanical, Electrical or Civil Engineer with a proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.* Strong knowledge of **Design Change Requests (DCRs)**, **Design Concessions (DConRs)** and AC22 change control processes, engaging with Nuclear Safety Committees and governance.* Solid understanding of UK nuclear regulations, Design Authority principles, British and international engineering standards, and nuclear safety compliance.* Experience supporting nuclear infrastructure design, modification, maintenance and through-life asset management.* Excellent communicator with the ability to engage technical teams, senior stakeholders and customers at all levels.* Highly organised leader with strong planning, prioritisation and team management skills, delivering engineering activities safely, efficiently and to programme.**QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING*** Engineering degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline* Strong knowledge of SSC Design Intent within Clyde / wider nuclear industry* Nuclear defence environment training desirable (NIC, NWSC, or civil nuclear equivalent)* Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or equivalent professional experience* Evidence of engineering competence, technical knowledge, and professional standingAdditional Information Why Join Us? Be part of dynamic construction and engineering projects Work in a collaborative and professional environment Develop your skills within a structured and well-supported team Please be aware that many roles at Assystem are subject to both security and export control restrictions.* These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.* All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.Staff or umbrella contractorSC Clearance required to startMainly remote role with a maximum of 1-2 days/week at Faslane (negotiable)**NOTICE TO CANDIDATES ON RECRUITMENT FRAUD – We are committed to safeguarding candidates from fraudulent activity associated with our recruitment process. Please note that we will never offer specialist CV writing services, request payment or ask for sensitive personal information during the recruitment process.**We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.