Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

Assystem Bristol, United Kingdom
Join the Fusion and Modular Nuclear (FMN) Business Unit as a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer. Be part of a team designing and developing cutting-edge technologies to enable net-zero power generation across multiple projects.
OverviewAssystem is a global leader accelerating the energy transition with 7,750 employees across 12 countries. We deliver engineering, project management, and digital solutions in highly regulated sectors with 55+ years of experience.
Your mission
Lead and support the development of designs for the following systems: Personnel Airlocks, Main Equipment Access Hatch, Fuel Transfer Channel, Piping Penetrations, Electrical Penetrations, Specialist Nuclear Doors
Conduct DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to identify and mitigate potential failure modes early in the design process
Perform HAZID (Hazard Identification Study) to assess and document risks across the system
Complete and maintain Human Factors Checklists to ensure ergonomics and usability are considered in design decisions
Update and manage the project’s Risk Register to track, evaluate, and mitigate emerging risks
Design Package Production in line with requirements — oversee the creation of comprehensive design packages aligned with project specifications, technical standards, and operational needs
Management of Interfaces — coordinate between engineering teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of cooling water systems with other reactor components
Prepare Technical Specifications to guide procurement, fabrication, and installation of key cooling water system components
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including both new and existing FTEs and secondees across engineering and project functions
Why join the community of Switchers?
Over 55 years in nuclear engineering
Ranked among the top 3 largest nuclear engineering companies
Attractive benefits, including an Employee Committee and holiday bonuses
Ongoing training with numerous career opportunities
70% of managers promoted internally
Hybrid work: 1-2 days remote per week
Qualifications
Multi-disciplinary team leadership — experience managing and coordinating diverse engineering teams
Steam cycle modelling oversight — ability to define modelling outcomes and ensure accurate implementation
Project budget and lifecycle planning — experience budgeting and planning for full design lifecycles
Cooling water equipment expertise — track record designing and optimizing cooling water systems
Regulatory and compliance knowledge — familiarity with ONR, Environment Agency, and HSE regulations
Requirements capture experience — skilled in gathering and defining technical requirements
Systems engineering awareness — understanding of integrated design principles
Subcontractor management — experience coordinating subcontractors
Chartered Engineer (CEng) — professional accreditation in a relevant discipline
Security clearance eligibility — able to obtain SC clearance for secure projects
Additional information
Excellent communication skills, written and oral
Strong leadership and focus on delivering quality on time and within budget
Integrity and ability to inspire others
Appreciation of wider technical issues beyond own discipline
Independent work style with initiative and self-motivation
Confident in a multi-party, multi-national environment
Ability to travel to Assystem offices and customer sites within the UK
Support major UK and international Nuclear Clients
Due to the nature of work, applicants may be required to meet residency criteria to attain a minimum level of UK security clearance if not already cleared to SC level.
We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and to fostering diversity. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for innovative and impactful solutions. Your skills and talents are what matter. Bring your unique contributions and help shape the future.
Location notes may appear in job postings where applicable.
Location details: Bristol, England, United Kingdom
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