Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Whitehaven, Cumbria + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation: Competitive + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF70329

Lead Engineering Excellence in Nuclear Decommissioning

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear, you will join one of our sites in Westlake's Science Park, Moor Row or Warrington, Cheshire. Your role will be pivotal in the UK's major civil nuclear decommissioning programmes, acting as a senior technical authority within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

The role

You will drive the integration of complex mechanical systems and develop innovative solutions that support the safe deconstruction and long term management of nuclear facilities. You will lead engineering teams, oversee high integrity technical outputs, safeguard design quality, and act as a primary interface for customers while mentoring engineers and championing continuous improvement.

Day to day responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high quality technical solutions.
• Supervise and mentor engineers and technical specialists to ensure performance and development.
• Act as a key liaison with customers, ensuring transparent communication and technical clarity.
• Oversee production, review, and approval of engineering outputs-including calculations, specifications, and reports.
• Champion safety, quality, and engineering best practice across all project activities.

This is a full time position working 37 hours, 5 days per week.

Essential experience

• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex technical projects.
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor engineers and technical specialists.
• Strong background in producing, reviewing, and approving detailed engineering outputs.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying procedures, codes, and standards to ensure compliance and integrity.
• Track record of effective customer engagement, issue resolution, and technical support.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) security clearance for this role. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK ().

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• 10 day special paid leave for Reservists in the armed forces
• Holiday Trading - ability to buy or sell up to one working week of annual leave (open February through March each year).
• 'Be Kind Day' - one paid day a year to undertake volunteering work.
• Employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

EEO Statement

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date

07/05/2026