Principal Mechanical Engineer

NRL; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a major nuclear infrastructure programme in Warrington. You will lead the design of bespoke mechanical handling systems, provide technical direction, and ensure compliance with nuclear and safety standards.

Hybrid working is available with some on-site engagement for delivery and client interaction. The role requires strong experience on Sellafield or similar projects, hands-on leadership of engineering delivery, and a Chartered Engineer status

Qualifications

• Must-have: strong experience on Sellafield or comparable nuclear projects.
• Must-have: mechanical handling engineering in regulated environments.
• Must-have: leadership experience delivering engineering work.
• Must-have: knowledge of LOLER, PUWER, CDM Regulations and Machinery Regulations.
• Must-have: experience producing and reviewing technical documentation.
• Nice-to-have: experience in nuclear decommissioning and waste handling projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and specification of bespoke mechanical handling equipment and systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and designers.
• Produce and review calculations, specifications, and reports.
• Maintain design requirements with full verification and traceability.
• Support design reviews, hazard studies, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage interfaces with clients, stakeholders and suppliers.
• Support installation, commissioning, and testing where required.

Skills

Nuclear mechanical handling

Regulated environments

Technical leadership

LOLER/PUWER/CDM Regulations

Technical documentation

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree (or equivalent)

Chartered Engineer status or working towards it

Job description

# Principal Mechanical EngineerLocationWarrington, Cheshire, North West, EnglandSalaryDependent on experience - inside IR35Contract TypePermanentWork TypeFull TimePosted on15 Oct 2026Join a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy delivering a major nuclear infrastructure programme in Warrington. This role is ideal for a seasoned mechanical engineer with expertise in mechanical handling systems who wants to take a technical lead position on a high-profile, confidential nuclear project. You’ll be part of a team driving design excellence, innovation, and compliance in a complex and regulated environment. **Location and Working Pattern** Warrington, with hybrid working available. Some on-site engagement may be required to support project delivery and client interactions. **Client Overview** Our client is a trusted engineering consultancy delivering large-scale design and engineering programmes across the nuclear sector. They work at the forefront of critical infrastructure projects that contribute to national capability and safety. **Responsibilities** * Lead the design and specification of bespoke mechanical handling equipment and systems.* Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and designers across the project team.* Produce and review calculations, specifications, and engineering reports.* Develop and maintain design requirements, ensuring full verification and traceability.* Support design reviews, hazard studies, and regulatory compliance activities.* Conduct site surveys and assessments to inform technical solutions.* Manage interfaces with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.* Support installation, commissioning, and testing where required.* Ensure all design work meets relevant nuclear, mechanical, and safety standards.**Must‐have Requirements** * Strong experience working on Sellafield or comparable nuclear projects.* Proven background in mechanical handling engineering in regulated environments.* Expertise in designing, specifying, and delivering bespoke mechanical handling systems.* Demonstrable leadership experience managing engineering delivery.* Working knowledge of LOLER, PUWER, CDM Regulations and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations.* Experience producing and reviewing technical documentation and engineering assessments.* Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).* Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it).**Nice‐to‐have Skills** * Experience in nuclear decommissioning and waste handling projects.* Familiarity with Sellafield processes and design standards.* Involvement in equipment trials, testing, and commissioning.* Track record of mentoring and developing junior engineers.**Due to the nature of this role being on a national security facility, we can only accommodate applications from UK Nationals.** **Apply Now** If this Principal Mechanical Engineer position matches your skills and experience, apply today or send your CV to our recruitment team.