Principal Mechanical Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead innovative technical teams in a highly regulated environment. This role involves steering project success from design to delivery, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. The successful candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, proven experience in regulated industries, and proficiency with design tools. Join a top-tier nuclear engineering company that values diversity and offers a competitive benefits package, including generous leave and healthcare support. Take the next step in your engineering career and make a significant impact!

Benefits

25 days of annual leave + bank holidays

8% company pension contributions

Healthcare cash-plan

Employee assistance programme

Professional membership fees paid

Qualifications

• Proven engineering experience in regulated industries like nuclear or oil & gas.
• Familiarity with MBSE and the full design cycle from concept to manufacture.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction to project teams.
• Deliver high-quality technical documentation and communicate effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Insight

Communication

Mathematical Skills

Risk Management

Education

BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

Inventor

AutoCAD

CATIA

MathCAD

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Sunderland

Client:

ASSYSTEM

Location:

Sunderland, United Kingdom

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

a7b2f073f045

Job Views:

28

Posted:

13.04.2025

Expiry Date:

28.05.2025

Job Description:

Are you a Principal Mechanical Engineer with a passion for leading technical teams and delivering high-impact engineering solutions in a highly regulated environment? Do you thrive in a collaborative, dynamic setting where your leadership, technical insight, and ability to inspire others make a real difference? If so, we want to hear from you!

Your future team:

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead multi-disciplinary teams in the development of innovative technical solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ requirements. Reporting to the Lead Engineer and Project Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in steering project success—from concept design through to delivery—ensuring technical excellence, timely delivery, and compliance with industry standards.

Your missions:

1. Provide technical leadership and direction to project teams.
2. Supervise and mentor junior engineers through well-defined work packages.
3. Deliver high-quality technical documentation, design reports, and LTQR packs.
4. Communicate progress, risks, and solutions effectively to stakeholders.
5. Collaborate closely with clients and subject matter experts across various disciplines.
6. Identify and proactively manage technical risks and opportunities.
7. Drive the development and verification of mechanical and structural engineering designs.
8. Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory frameworks, including nuclear safety where applicable.

Why join the community of Switchers?

As one of the Top 3 Nuclear Engineering companies in the world, Assystem offer a competitive benefits package which includes:

1. 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
2. 8% company pension contributions
3. Healthcare cash-plan to get money back on dental, medical, physical care
4. Employee assistance programme including 24/7 access to free mental health support, virtual gym classes and more
5. Get professional and industry membership fees paid for.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications/Skills to be successful:

1. Minimum 2:1 BEng in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent). Master’s degree preferred.
2. Proven engineering experience in regulated industries (e.g., nuclear, defence, oil & gas).
3. Proficient with design and modelling tools such as Revit, Inventor, AutoCAD, and/or CATIA.
4. Strong mathematical foundation; MathCAD experience desirable.
5. Familiarity with MBSE and the full design cycle from concept to manufacture.
6. Experience working with engineering standards and regulations (PED, PUWER, LOLER, etc.).
7. Exposure to Hazard and Risk Assessments (HAZOP, HAZID, FMEA, etc.).

Desirable Qualifications/Skills:

1. Chartered status or working towards chartership is advantageous.
2. Understanding of FEA and experience with ANSYS, CAESAR, or Flow Master is a plus.
3. Understanding of functional safety (BS EN 61508 / 61511).
4. Knowledge of NEC 3/4 contracts and risk identification.
5. Strong understanding of pipework and system components.
6. Experience engaging with supply chains and specifying equipment.
7. Adaptable and comfortable managing shifting project scopes and concurrent system developments.

Apply now and take the next step in your engineering career!

Due to the nature of work to be undertaken applicants will be required to meet certain residency criteria in order to attain a minimum level of UK security clearance if not already security cleared to a minimum SC level.

Sole British National is desirable.

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.