Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear

iO Associates; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering organisation in the UK nuclear sector is seeking Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineers. This role focuses on the design and management of bulk solids and powder handling systems within hazardous environments. Candidates will engage with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and compliance while mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates will have a engineering degree and relevant technical experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering or related field preferred.
• Experience with bulk solids/powder handling systems.
• Proven ability to create and evaluate technical documents.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and review of powder handling systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and engineering principles.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on projects.

Skills

Bulk solids/powder handling

Design mechanical systems

Technical documentation

Collaborative problem–solving

Education

Degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer (Nuclear)

Location: Warrington (Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 days WFH)
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Permanent Full Time

About the Role

iO Associates is currently working with a leading engineering organisation involved in major UK nuclear projects. We're recruiting for a Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in bulk solids or powder handling systems, ideally for nuclear or other highly regulated sectors.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safe and effective management of radioactive or hazardous powdered materials–ranging from fuel fabrication to waste processing–within complex engineering environments. Multiple positions are avaliable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and review of powder handling systems (e.g., hoppers, feeders, pneumatic conveyors, gloveboxes).

• Apply engineering standards and nuclear safety principles across all design and project stages.

• Produce and review technical documentation, including calculations, drawings, reports, and risk assessments.

• Collaborate with multi–disciplinary teams including nuclear safety, process, and systems engineers.

• Provide engineering oversight to ensure compliance with safety cases and relevant codes.

• Support customer engagement, stakeholder management, and technical mentoring of junior engineers.

Essential Experience

• Background in mechanical engineering with strong exposure to bulk solids/powder handling, ideally in a regulated environment (nuclear, pharma, chemical, etc.).

• Proven ability to design or evaluate mechanical systems involving containment, flow control, or automated powder transfer.

• Experience in producing and reviewing detailed technical documents and engineering calculations.

• Collaborative approach to problem–solving across project teams.

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Experience with glovebox or hot cell design.

• Knowledge of critically safety, ALARP, and radiological containment.

• Prior exposure to nuclear decommissioning, new build, or fuel cycle facilities.

Qualifications

• Degree preferred.

• Chartered or working towards professional registration (e.g., IMechE) is advantageous.