Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer – Nuclear Sector

Warrington | 6-Month Contract | Outside IR35 Considered

Rate: Competitive Hourly / Daily Rate (DOE)

Our client is a specialist engineering organisation supporting major nuclear programmes across the UK. Due to an increase in project workload, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join their engineering team in Warrington on an initial 6-month contract basis.

This role will focus on the design and development of bespoke mechanical systems and special purpose machinery for use within highly regulated nuclear environments. The successful candidate will be involved in the full design lifecycle, working closely with project engineers, analysts, manufacturing teams, and end clients to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

The Role

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for the design and development of bespoke mechanical equipment, handling systems, process machinery, tooling, and associated engineered solutions for nuclear applications.

The position offers the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects supporting some of the UK's most significant nuclear programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and development of special purpose machinery and bespoke mechanical equipment.
• Production of 3D CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor.
• Creation of assembly drawings, fabrication drawings, and detailed component designs.
• Development of engineering solutions in accordance with nuclear industry standards and client specifications.
• Preparation of design calculations, technical reports, and supporting documentation.
• Participation in design reviews, HAZOPs, design substantiation activities, and client meetings.
• Liaison with manufacturing, procurement, and project teams throughout the design lifecycle.
• Support prototype development, testing, and commissioning activities where required.
• Ensure designs are suitable for manufacture, assembly, installation, and maintenance.
• Assist with design modifications, problem-solving, and engineering change processes.

Candidate Requirements

• HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer within highly regulated industries.
• Strong background in the design of special purpose machinery, bespoke equipment, handling systems, or industrial machinery.
• Proficient in either SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience producing detailed manufacturing and fabrication drawings.
• Good understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a project team environment.

Desirable Experience

• Nuclear industry experience.
• Experience working to ONR or nuclear quality requirements.
• Remote handling systems.
• Glovebox equipment.
• Mechanical handling equipment.
• Waste processing equipment.
• Defence or submarine programmes.
• Process plant or complex industrial machinery.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) exposure.
• Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA).

What's on Offer

• Immediate contract start available.
• Initial 6-month contract with potential extension.
• Outside IR35 engagement considered.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant nuclear programmes.
• Competitive contract rates.
• Collaborative engineering environment with long-term project pipeline.



If you are a Mechanical Design Engineer with experience in special purpose machinery, bespoke mechanical equipment, or nuclear engineering projects and are looking for your next contract opportunity in Warrington, we'd be pleased to hear from you.