Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear

ZipRecruiter; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering organization seeks a Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer to oversee design processes for nuclear projects in Warrington. This full-time, permanent role will involve managing complex powder handling systems while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a solid engineering background, particularly in handling regulated materials, and be capable of producing detailed technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Background in mechanical engineering, ideally in regulated environments.
• Proven design capability for mechanical systems involving containment or flow control.
• Experience producing technical documents and engineering calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and integrate powder handling systems, applying engineering standards.
• Produce, review technical documentation including calculations and reports.
• Ensure compliance with safety cases and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Bulk Solids/Powder Handling

Problem Solving

Education

Degree

Job description

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