Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

NRL; Chorley; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL in Chorley, Lancashire, is seeking Senior Mechanical Design Engineers for a major defence project. Hybrid working is available with regular on-site collaboration required at a national security facility.

You will develop compliant mechanical designs, produce manufacturing drawings to BS 8888, and support procurement, manufacturing, testing and installation. The role requires professional registration progress (IEng/CEng), an HNC Level 4, and CAD experience, with knowledge of UK codes, safety

Qualifications

• Design development experience with CAD systems and robust drawing control.
• HNC Level 4 qualification or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of UK codes and safety standards (BS 8888, LOLER, PUWER, CDM).

Responsibilities

• Develop technically sound mechanical designs for complex systems.
• Produce and check manufacturing drawings to BS 8888 standards.
• Contribute to procurement, manufacture, testing and installation activities.
• Participate in design reviews and maintain configuration control of 3D models.

Skills

CAD experience

Teamwork

Communication

Safety standards

Education

HNC Level 4

Tools

CAD software

Job description

# Senior Mechanical Design EngineerLocationEuxton, Lancashire, North West, EnglandSalaryDependent on experience.Contract TypeContractWork TypeFull TimePosted on15 Oct 2026We’re recruiting several **Mechanical Design Engineers** to support a major defence project based in **Chorley**. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced engineers who enjoy tackling complex design challenges and want to contribute to projects that make a real impact on national security. **Location and Working Pattern** Based in **Chorley**, with flexibility for hybrid working arrangements. As this role involves close collaboration with other teams, regular on‐site presence will be an important element. **Responsibilities*** Develop technically sound and compliant engineering design solutions for complex mechanical systems.* Produce, review and check manufacturing and assembly drawings in accordance with BS 8888 and relevant standards.* Deliver engineering activities to programme and budget, highlighting any variances early.* Apply nuclear and conventional safety principles throughout design development.* Collaborate with multi‐disciplinary teams to ensure integrated engineering solutions.* Provide input and technical guidance during procurement, manufacture, testing and installation.* Participate in design reviews, maintaining configuration control of 3D models and drawings.* Promote continuous improvement, adhering to “right first time” quality standards.**Must‐have Requirements*** Professionally registered engineer (IEng, CEng or working towards registration).* HNC or equivalent Level 4 qualification in a relevant engineering discipline.* Demonstrable experience in design development using CAD systems.* Sound understanding of UK engineering codes, standards and legislation (BS 8888, LOLER, PUWER, CDM).* Strong communication and teamwork skills across technical disciplines.* Eligible to obtain **SC clearance**. **Due to the nature of this role being on a national security facility, we can only accommodate applications from UK Nationals.****Nice‐to‐have Skills*** Previous experience within nuclear or defence engineering.* Familiarity with CE / UKCA marking requirements.* Knowledge of engineering assurance processes and configuration management.**Apply Now** If this opportunity aligns with your experience, **apply now** or send your CV to our recruitment team to discuss this position further.