Join to apply for the Mechanical Design Engineer role at Oxford Sigma

We are expanding our wider team to support the business in bringing materials and process engineering solutions for fusion.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British citizens and have been continuously resident in the UK for the past five years.

This role will include the following duties:

• Designing and developing comprehensive engineering systems for nuclear and non-nuclear projects.
• Complete, and justify structural integrity of, designs through finite element analysis (FEM) and thermomechanical assessments, including elevated temperature and pressure conditions.
• Developing specifications for prototypes and commercial products, ensuring alignment with performance and quality requirements.
• Produce detailed designs and engineering drawings in accordance with recognised codes, standards and specifications (such as ASTM, EN, BS, ASME BPC / B31).
• Collaborate with manufacturers to procure high-quality components and assemblies.
• Identify and implement environmental, health, and safety considerations for prototype and commercial products.
• Maintain clear documentation on development activities, engineering decisions using standard practices.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors to support engineering progression.
• Supporting the upskilling of team members in structural analysis and FEM methodologies.

Qualifications & experience

Ideally, you will have some of these:

• Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3 - 5 years industrial experience in structural mechanics design, ideally in nuclear.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Proficiency in FEM software (COMSOL or similar).
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing, and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, manufacture, and operation of complex process engineering systems, consistently delivering high-quality outputs in accordance with recognised industrial standards (such as ASME BPV or B31).
• Strong motivation to solve engineering challenges using a blend of first-principles thinking, practical design experience, and advanced simulation techniques.
• Awareness of legal and contractual aspects of project activities, such as procurement, processes, negotiation strategies, and regulatory compliance.
• An ability to communicate technical concepts to technical non-specialists.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience as a project team member in a multi-partner environment.

Additionally, it is desirable if you have:

• Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience in liquid metal systems.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology