Principal Engineer

In this role, you will shape and govern the engineering framework that underpins the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the site. You’ll manage the development of technical strategies and processes, ensure robust integration with safety and environmental requirements, and provide authoritative oversight across engineering governance, competence, and project delivery. Key Deliverables for the role are:

• Control the development, validation and continuous improvement of engineering strategies, procedures and technical governance across complex projects
• Assist projects to develop an engineering and safety case delivery strategy, optimising plans to respond to changes when necessary and integrate engineering activities with safety, environmental, waste, and regulatory requirements, maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage investigations, assess engineering capability, and manage Design Authority arrangements to ensure high‑quality, compliant engineering performance
• Provide guidance as a line manager, developing a capable technical organisation and ensuring consistent application of specifications, authorisations and project support
  

Who We Are Looking For

You will bring significant engineering expertise and professional credibility to this role, combining deep technical knowledge with the ability to influence and represent the organisation at all levels. Drawing on substantial experience across the full engineering lifecycle, ideally within a nuclear or similarly complex industrial environment, you’ll apply sound judgement, strong stakeholder skills, and a proven understanding of Dounreay’s modification and governance requirements.

• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with extensive nuclear or industrial engineering experience
• Strong ability to collaborate across programmes, facilities, safety case teams, and multidisciplinary engineering functions
• Confident representing the organisation at internal and external forums, including effective engagement with regulators
• Post specific capability analysis assessment