Principal Mechanical Engineer

Veolia Environmental Services (Uk) Plc; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental solutions company is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to manage projects in the nuclear sector. Responsibilities include designing solutions for hazardous environments, conducting risk assessments, and mentoring engineers. The role requires significant mechanical engineering experience, particularly in the nuclear sector, and knowledge of CAD and PLM systems. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and possess a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in nuclear sector.
• Significant experience with mechanical/remote handling systems preferred.
• Capable of presenting and liaising with clients.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of engineering projects for handling systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and generate technical documentation.
• Support technical leads on governance and safety directions.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Design for Manufacture

Risk assessment

CAD and PLM system

Client liaison

Education

Degree in relevant field

Job description

As a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer, with significant expertise and experience within the nuclear sector, the Principal Mechanical Engineer will take complete ownership of projects relating to the delivery of world class technology solutions for handling systems in complex hazardous environments. In a client-facing role, including travelling to nuclear sites and facilities across the UK and internationally, the Principal Mechanical Engineer is expected to take responsibility for the design and delivery of projects, including the specification, design development, detail design, and documentation, as well as design change management and conducting risk assessments.

Technical Design and Delivery

• Support the delivery of design activities for projects including Design for Manufacture and Design Specifications for Sub-contractors.
• Assist with the development of testing and commissioning procedures for sub-assemblies and full electro‑mechanical systems.
• Identify areas for technological advancement and maintain excellent engineering standards.
• Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks.
• Support project teams to work closely with tight deadlines to ensure that engineering standards are maintained.
• Generate technical documentation.
• Escalate and manage programme risks and issues by performing root cause analysis and helping to resolve problems.
• Lead design review activities and assist with preparation, including review and approval of documentation.

Bids and Procurement

• Assist in the development of specifications for the Supply Chain team.
• Support the sales and business development teams by adding technical excellence to proposals and presentations.

Mentoring and Coaching

• Provide technical expertise to the project teams.
• Supervise and work with engineers, supporting, mentoring, coaching, developing and nurturing talent.
• Maintain knowledge of new technologies and research in the given field and share best practice with the engineering team.

Health, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Support the Technical Leads on the implementation of governance and safety directions.
• Ensure that the Veolia SHEQ Policies and procedures are adhered to within the scope of work.

Business Development

• Support development of technology strategy and product offerings for the business.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify business improvement opportunities within the organisation.
• Ensure an effective interface with other departmental staff is maintained.
• Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member of the team understands the standards and behaviours expected of them.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience within mechanical engineering – comfortable designing bearing and motor/gearbox systems, rotating and linear machines, etc.
• Significant experience of working with companies within the UK nuclear sector, ideally including nuclear plants.
• Experience of hazardous waste, and a familiarity with mechanical/remote handling systems is preferred.
• Experience presenting to and liaising with clients.
• Competent with CAD and PLM system usage.
• Degree qualified in a relevant field.

Rights to Work

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. This role requires specific technical skills and experience, and we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Veolia Nuclear Solutions Vision

Veolia Nuclear Solutions UK’s vision is to work collaboratively to produce world class technical solutions that support a cleaner and safer planet.