Principal Mechanical Engineer, Whitehaven

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in one of the UK’s major civil nuclear decommissioning programmes. Working as a senior technical authority within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will drive the integration of complex mechanical systems and develop innovative solutions that directly support the safe deconstruction and long‑term management of nuclear facilities.

This full‑time position works 37 hours per week, five days per week, and is based at Westlake’s Science Park, Moor Row, or Warrington, Cheshire sites.

• 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.

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

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) security clearance for this role.

• 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.
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑day special paid leave.
• Holiday Trading – allows employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave.
• Be Kind Day – one paid day a year for volunteering with a chosen charity.
• Excellent development opportunities and a benefits package, including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.