Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress

Overview

A leading engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Piping Stress Engineer to support a major nuclear civil decommissioning programme. This role is central to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient piping system design within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidiscipline engineering teams, providing technical expertise across stress analysis, flexibility assessment, support design, and compliance verification.

Key Responsibilities Stress & Flexibility Analysis

• Identify stress critical lines through detailed review of P&IDs and line lists.
• Perform piping stress analysis using recognised industry software (e.g., CAESAR II / AutoPIPE).
• Evaluate nozzle loads, support loading, thermal expansion, vibration issues, and system flexibility.
• Conduct static and dynamic analyses, ensuring systems meet functional, safety, and engineering design requirements.

Design & Technical Review

• Review and validate piping designs, GA drawings, and engineering deliverables.
• Assess and sign off piping isometrics, ensuring flexibility, routing, and support requirements are met.
• Provide input into the design of pipe supports, integrating stress requirements and project specifications.
• Review 3D models for compliance, constructability, clash management, and adherence to stress reports and codes.

Documentation & Compliance

• Produce, check, and maintain detailed documentation including:
  • Stress reports
  • Calculations
  • Engineering specifications
  • Technical assessments and design justifications
• Ensure all deliverables comply with applicable nuclear standards, codes (ASME, BS/EN), safety requirements, and project procedures.
• Support internal and external reviews, audits, and technical queries.

Collaboration & Project Delivery

• Work closely with piping, mechanical, civil, process, and safety engineering teams.
• Support project planning, change control, and design risk assessments.
• Engage with stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and construction teams, ensuring a clear understanding of stress engineering requirements.

Required Experience

• Proven experience as a Piping Stress Engineer within nuclear, petrochemical, energy, or similar highly regulated sectors.
• Strong understanding of piping design principles, flexibility analysis, and piping system behaviour under operational loads.
• Proficient in industry standard stress analysis tools.
• Solid working knowledge of ASME B31, EN codes, and nuclear QA processes.
• Experience reviewing and approving design documentation, isometrics, and 3D models.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure, with strong problem solving skills and attention to detail.

Desirable Skills

• Prior experience on nuclear decommissioning or nuclear new build projects.
• Familiarity with digital model review systems (E3D, PDMS, SP3D, Navisworks).
• Understanding of seismic analysis, vibration mitigation, and dynamic loading scenarios.
• Chartered or working toward chartered status (CEng).

Additional Information

• Location: Warrington
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Engagement: Inside IR35
• Security: Ability to obtain BPSS