Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Warrington, UK
Company: Global Nuclear Engineering OEM
Salary: £75,000 basic + Excellent Pension + Flexible & Hybrid Working + Outstanding Benefits

About the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Role:

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a global leader in nuclear engineering, based near Warrington.

This is a senior-level opportunity to lead the design and development of bespoke, complex, and heavy mechanical handling and process machinery.

You'll be instrumental in delivering high-integrity systems for the nuclear sector, overseeing projects from FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) through to final delivery.

This role offers the chance to shape technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and influence innovation in a highly regulated and safety-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities of Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Lead and oversee the mechanical design of custom-engineered systems for nuclear and industrial applications.
Manage full project lifecycle from concept and FEED to detailed design, manufacture, and delivery.
Apply advanced CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and FEA (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) tools to develop and validate robust designs.
Ensure compliance with industry codes and standards (ASME, BS EN, RCC-M, etc.).
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to design teams, fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including project management, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure successful project outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Extensive experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer in a regulated industry (nuclear, defence, oil & gas, aerospace, etc.).
Proven track record in leading the design of bespoke machinery, heavy mechanical handling systems, or process equipment.
High proficiency in 3D CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Strong understanding of FEED, design for manufacture (DFM), and lifecycle engineering.
Experience working to nuclear or safety-critical standards.
Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.

Why Join Us?

Join a global OEM at the forefront of nuclear engineering innovation.
Lead mission-critical projects with real-world impact.
Thrive in a collaborative, technically challenging environment with clear career progression.
Enjoy a competitive £75,000 basic salary, excellent pension, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Access to outstanding professional, career, and technical development opportunities.To find out more about Progressive please visit