Principal Projects Engineer | 2 Roles Available | Electrical / Controls Projects | Nuclear / Defence Industry | Up to £65,000 + Benefits | Stafford | Hybrid (3 days per week on-site)

MERITUS are excited to be working with a fast growing Automation / Controls Engineering Consultancy. They're looking for 2 Principal Engineers to join their 30 strong engineering team to oversee complex multidisciplinary engineering projects across defence and nuclear industries.

As a Principal Engineer (Projects), you will be responsible for leading all engineering activities across high-value contracts. This includes managing multidisciplinary teams, developing technical strategies, ensuring project compliance, and acting as a key technical authority throughout the project lifecycle.

You will mentor engineers, drive performance across the board, and play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with industry standards and customer expectations.

Projects include Electrical / Hardware Engineering, Control Systems / Automation & Software Engineering. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one of these areas & the ability to step up into a leadership role.

They're based in Stafford & offer hybrid working with 3 days a week on-site & 2 days per week remote. They require candidates to be eligible for SC level security clearance.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team including software, hardware, design, and control systems engineers to deliver end-to-end project solutions.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with scope, timeline, budget, and quality standards, while identifying risks and opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to engineering teams, enhancing team capability and culture.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to present progress, resolve challenges, and support business development efforts.

Required Skills:

• Strong technical experience in Electrical, Software, or Control System Engineering ideally within a regulated sector (Aerospace, Defence, Nuclear, Pharma, Rail etc).
• Proven experience in leading complex engineering projects within an ISO 9001:2015 / 14001:2015 / 45001 environment.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, cyber security, and functional safety – ideally with exposure to the nuclear industry.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills with a track record of delivering successful technical outcomes.

Benefits:

• Salary up to £65,000 (potentially higher)
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Matched pension scheme up to 6%
• Flexible / hybrid working options

Got your attention?

If you believe that you have the skills and experience for the Principle Engineer role - then please get in touch. We also offer a referral scheme for any candidates whose details are passed to us that we successfully place. If you have any further questions then please contact Ryan Harris at MERITUS.