Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear

iO Associates; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Principal/Senior Mechanical Engineer for nuclear projects in Warrington. This hybrid role involves leading the design of powder handling systems and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a background in mechanical engineering with strong exposure to bulk solids handling, ideally in a regulated environment. The position offers a competitive salary and is permanent full-time.

Qualifications

• Strong exposure to bulk solids/powder handling, ideally in a regulated environment.
• Proven ability to design or evaluate mechanical systems involving containment, flow control.
• Experience in producing and reviewing detailed technical documents and engineering calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and integration of powder handling systems.
• Apply engineering standards and nuclear safety principles.
• Produce and review technical documentation.

Skills

Bulk solids/powder handling

Mechanical engineering

Design and evaluation of mechanical systems

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.