Principal Mechanical Engineer

Jacobs

Birchwood, United Kingdom

About the Opportunity:

Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer working in other non-nuclear sectors who is looking to transition to the nuclear sector?

Do you want to play a vital role in existing and new defence and civil nuclear programmes in the UK, and want to provide key Mechanical Engineering support to both defence and civil nuclear sectors?

Then this is the opportunity for you.

We are looking for a full time Senior Engineer/Consultant to carry out independent nuclear safety and technical assessment mainly of nuclear propulsion plant to join our Mechanical Systems team based at Jacobs Birchwood office in Cheshire. Relevant background experience would include independent nuclear safety assurance, mechanical engineering and materials performance.

This role provides a diverse and exciting range of opportunities to support the UK submarine programme by undertaking safety and technical assessments of naval nuclear propulsion plant structures, systems and components, and covering the entire plant life cycle from concept design through to decommissioning. For example, tasks may be aimed to address issues associated with design, manufacture/build, maintenance and operation, including plant life extension, to ensure the submarine flotilla continues to deliver the necessary capability safely.

Key Responsibilities will include

Providing formal independent nuclear safety and technical assessment of documents relating to nuclear propulsion plant systems and components, and delivering the assessment output in formal letters, which may be presented to relevant safety and technical committees.
Performing assurance activities (inspection, advice and assessment) for all types of mechanical systems and components that provide nuclear safety functions in reactor primary and secondary systems, and also dockside facilities.
Representing Jacobs at safety and technical meetings with clients, the plant authorisee, designers and safety case authors.
Applying your personal skills and experience to other projects being carried out by Jacobs.

Here's What You'll Need

Degree or Post Graduate qualification in an engineering, or scientific discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Professional Institution accredited (CEng, or working towards CEng is preferable)
Knowledge of Pressurised Water Reactor systems for naval propulsion or civil power generation applications is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with code rules for construction of nuclear facility components, principally ASME B&PV Code Section III, would be an advantage.
Knowledge and understanding of the ageing/failure mechanisms of high integrity pumps, valves and other reactor system components.
An ability to understand and deliberate on complex technical and safety arguments clearly and concisely, based upon mature knowledge and understanding
A willingness to travel if required for an individual project.
You will have skills and technical experience in some of the following areas:-
Experience relating to high integrity mechanical handling equipment in naval or civil nuclear, or other safety critical applications would be an advantage.
Experience of relevant mechanical design and safety standards
Understanding of nuclear safety case requirements, including knowledge of the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR) Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs) and Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs) would be an advantage
You will be required to hold or have the ability to gain UK Security Clearance to SC level