Principal Mechanical Engineer

NRL; Euxton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL in Chorley/Euxton is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead design teams on complex projects. You will drive engineering excellence, ensure safe, compliant, high‑quality outcomes and mentor engineers in a cross‑disciplinary environment.

The role requires professional registration (CEng/IEng), a Level 6 degree, and a proven track record in regulated industries. Hybrid working is available, with on‑site collaboration dependent on project needs and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with honours in an engineering discipline and professional registration preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading mechanical design teams in safety/compliance sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK legislation, Machinery Directive, LOLER, PUWER and CDM.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee mechanical design teams to deliver safe, compliant, high‑quality outputs.
• Provide technical direction, supervision and support across the full lifecycle.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor activities against scope, budget and schedule.
• Chair design reviews ensuring technical assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Produce design basis docs and substantiation of design solutions.
• Apply nuclear safety principles across development phases.
• Mentor engineers to build capability and a culture of improvement.
• Drive quality and right‑first‑time delivery; collaborate with cross‑discipline teams.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in engineering

Tools

3D CAD

Configuration management tools

Job description

# Principal Mechanical EngineerLocationEuxton, Lancashire, North West, EnglandSalaryDependent on experience. Contract or permanent.Contract TypeContractWork TypeFull TimePosted on15 Oct 2026We’re looking for an experienced and professionally registered Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a respected engineering organisation in Chorley. This role involves leading design teams on technically complex projects, driving engineering excellence, and ensuring safe, compliant, and high‐quality design outcomes. It’s ideal for a proactive engineer who enjoys developing others, shaping engineering delivery, and fostering continuous improvement. **Location and Working Pattern** Based in Chorley, with hybrid working available. Flexibility is encouraged — time on site will depend on project collaboration requirements rather than a fixed schedule. **Client Overview** Our client is a well‐established engineering business delivering high‐integrity projects across regulated sectors. Known for maintaining exceptional technical standards, they promote a strong safety culture and collaborative working environment while supporting staff development and innovation. **Responsibilities** * Lead and oversee mechanical design teams, ensuring delivery of safe, compliant and high‐quality engineering outputs.* Provide technical direction, supervision and support across the full engineering lifecycle.* Plan, coordinate and monitor engineering activities against scope, budget and schedule.* Conduct and chair design reviews, ensuring technical assurance and regulatory compliance.* Produce design basis documentation and support the development and substantiation of design solutions.* Ensure the application of conventional and nuclear safety principles throughout development phases.* Mentor and coach engineers to build capability and maintain a culture of continuous professional improvement.* Drive quality, process improvement and right‐first‐time principles in engineering delivery.* Collaborate closely with cross‐discipline teams, procurement, manufacturing and external stakeholders.**Must‐have Requirements** * Professionally registered Engineer (CEng or IEng) with a minimum Level 6 qualification (Bachelor’s Degree with Honours) in a relevant engineering discipline.* Demonstrated experience leading mechanical design teams within a safety or compliance‐focused environment.* Strong understanding of UK engineering legislation and standards, including the Machinery Directive, LOLER, PUWER and CDM.* Proven ability to produce and review technical documentation, design risk assessments and verification records.* Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.* Eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance.* UK National (due to project security requirements).**Nice‐to‐have Skills** * Experience in nuclear or other regulated industries.* Familiarity with UKCA / CE marking processes and conformity assessment.* Proficiency in 3D CAD and configuration management tools.* Experience planning engineering activities and supporting contract change management.**Apply Now** If this Principal Mechanical Engineer role matches your experience and leadership style, apply now or send your CV to our recruitment team today. **Due to the nature of this role being on a national security facility, we can only accommodate applications from UK Nationals.**