Senior Mechanical Designer-Nuclear

Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer for the PFDO project at Sellafield. This hybrid role involves creating high-quality mechanical designs and technical drawings for safety-critical systems. You will collaborate with an engineering team, ensuring compliance with nuclear design standards while mentoring junior designers. Offering £35-£42/hour, this position supports a significant nuclear decommissioning program in Warrington, providing both on-site and remote work flexibility.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Hybrid working arrangement

Opportunity to influence safety-critical design

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Designer within regulated sectors.
• Strong knowledge of nuclear design standards and safety requirements.
• Ability to produce clear and accurate technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce mechanical designs and technical drawings.
• Review and update existing designs to meet project standards.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline engineering teams.

Skills

Mechanical design principles

CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MicroStation)

Communication and collaboration skills

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

MicroStation

Job description

Senior Mechanical Designer - PFDO Project (Sellafield)

Contract | £35-£42/hour (Inside IR35)

Warrington | Hybrid - 3 days on site / 2 days remote

Sector: Nuclear | PFDO Programme

Are you an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer looking to contribute to one of Sellafield's high‑profile decommissioning projects? This is a hands‑on role supporting the PFDO (Post‑Fuel Decommissioning Operations) project, delivering high‑quality mechanical designs and technical drawings for safety‑critical systems. You'll work within a collaborative engineering team, supporting design development, technical documentation, and integration with wider project disciplines. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with three days per week in Warrington for team collaboration and site engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and produce mechanical designs, layouts, and technical drawings for PFDO systems
• Review and update existing designs to meet project requirements and standards
• Ensure designs comply with Sellafield design processes, safety requirements, and engineering standards
• Collaborate with multi‑discipline teams, including CE&I, structural, and project engineering colleagues
• Support the preparation of technical documentation, specifications, and design packages
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior designers where required

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Designer within nuclear or highly regulated sectors
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MicroStation)
• Understanding of nuclear design standards, site procedures, and safety requirements
• Ability to produce clear, accurate, and compliant technical drawings and documentation
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• SC clearance preferred or the ability to obtain

Why Join?

• Competitive £35-£42/hour (Inside IR35)
• Hybrid working – balance of 3 days in Warrington and 2 days remote
• Work on a nationally significant nuclear decommissioning programme
• Opportunity to influence mechanical design solutions in a complex, safety‑critical environment
• Join an experienced, collaborative team with strong technical leadership

Apply now to bring your mechanical design expertise to the PFDO project at Sellafield and contribute to one of the UK's most important nuclear programmes.