Assystem Sunderland, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer role in the Fusion and Modular Nuclear (FMN) business unit. You will work across multiple cutting-edge projects, developing technical solutions to help make net-zero power generation a reality.

Responsibilities

• 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 ensuring alignment 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 social benefits, including an engaging Employee Committee and holiday bonuses.
• Ongoing training with numerous career opportunities.
• 70% of our managers are promoted internally.
• Hybrid work: 1-2 days remote per week.

Qualifications

• Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership – Skilled in managing and coordinating diverse engineering teams.
• Steam Cycle Modelling Oversight – Ability to define modelling outcomes and ensure accurate implementation.
• Project Budget & Lifecycle Planning – Experienced in budgeting and planning for full design lifecycles.
• Cooling Water Equipment Expertise – Strong track record in designing and optimizing cooling water systems.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge – Familiar with ONR, Environment Agency, and HSE regulations.
• Requirements Capture Experience – Skilled in gathering and defining technical requirements.
• Systems Engineering Awareness – Strong understanding of integrated design principles.
• Subcontractor Management – Experienced in overseeing and coordinating subcontractors.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) – Professional accreditation in a relevant discipline.
• Security Clearance Eligibility – Capable of obtaining SC clearance for secure projects.

Additional Information

• Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Focus on delivering quality output to time and budget.
• Act with integrity and instil this in others.
• Appreciation of wider technical issues beyond own discipline — understands interdisciplinary challenges and their impact on projects.
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence, using own initiative and self-motivation.
• Confident in a multi-party, multi-national environment — comfortable working with global teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to Assystem offices and customer sites within the UK.
• To undertake work packages supporting major UK and international Nuclear Clients.

Due to the nature of work to be undertaken, applicants will be required to meet certain residency criteria in order to attain a minimum level of UK security clearance if not already security cleared to a minimum SC level.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.