Job Description

Role: Assistant Chief Design Engineer - Components and Mechanical Equipment
Location: Manchester, Derby or Warrington
Reporting to the Chief Design Engineer (CDE), the Assistant Chief Design Engineer (ACDE) for Components and Mechanical Equipment plays a key leadership role in supporting the delivery of integrated technical solutions across the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme. The ACDE provides expert technical oversight, supports the leadership of large multidisciplinary teams, and ensures that component and mechanical equipment meet all delivery requirements, are fit for purpose and support the power station development.

The ACDE acts as a senior technical authority within the Components and Mechanical Equipment function, providing expert oversight across the full engineering lifecycle--from concept development through to design substantiation, manufacture, delivery and installation.

The ACDE works closely with senior delivery managers to manage technical risks, resolve key strategic issues, and coordinate and drive all cross-functional dependencies. The role supports the development and governance of mechanical components across both the nuclear and conventional islands where applicable, including in-house and externally sourced equipment. The ACDE also contributes to the development of engineering capability, supplier engagement, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

The candidate will be a senior leader in mechanical component / equipment with a strong proven track record of delivery of complex cross functional programmes and with a high level of aptitude for leadership. A strategic thinker who is comfortable leading within a developing business and circumnavigating the challenges that this brings with ambiguity, changing business and customer demands and emergent business needs, demonstrating exemplary leadership behaviours in the face of these challenging circumstances. There is an expectation that the candidate can flex and evolve within the role, within the business and be a leader as the team develops.
Key Selection Criteria:Experience in providing an overseeing and governance role. Ability in making big, complex decisions at a senior level. Chairing reviews and governing across the complete component and mechanical equipment landscape. Demonstrates the ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively across multiple engineering and non-engineering disciplines to deliver integrated technical and programme outcomes. Demonstrates effective leadership across diverse teams and disciplines, fostering collaboration and alignment to deliver complex, high-impact outcomes. Demonstrable track record and experience of leading mechanical equipment product development programmes over the whole product lifecycle. Experience of multiple components within the nuclear context is essential. The successful candidate must be comfortable being highly visible within the business, will tackle and operate challenges at every level. Exemplifies strong senior leadership through strategic vision, decisive action, and the ability to inspire and align diverse teams toward common goals.
Pay and Benefits:
We anticipate paying a salary between 80,000 - 106,000 Dependant on ExperienceBonus - Short Term Incentive - Performance Based- target opportunity 20% Benefits Allowance - 8,500, enabling you to create a bespoke package Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay 250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment. Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business. A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch - we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check * Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check