Senior Mechanical Engineer

Cavendish Nuclear Ltd; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead complex engineering tasks in nuclear decommissioning projects. This is a full-time role, responsible for producing engineering documentation, engaging with customers, and managing project risks. Candidates should possess an engineering degree and a proven track record in delivering projects. The position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package with opportunities for development and flexible working.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Employee shopping savings portal

Payment of Professional Fees

10-days special paid leave for reservists

Holiday Trading

Be Kind Day for volunteering

Excellent development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering engineering activities across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong track record of producing and reviewing detailed engineering documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging customers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex mechanical engineering tasks and provide high-quality technical guidance.
• Produce and review engineering documentation, including calculations, drawings, models, and reports.
• Build strong relationships with customers and act as a key technical interface.
• Identify and manage project risks while contributing to safety assessments and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Engineering activities management

Technical documentation production

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Customer engagement

Education

Engineering degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Job Title

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location

Whitehaven, Cumbria + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation

Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type

Full time / Permanent

Role ID

SF68226

Overview

Lead the Engineering That Shapes the Future of Nuclear Decommissioning. At Cavendish Nuclear we work to create a safe and secure world, together. Join us as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at either the Westlake’s Science Park, Moor Row or Warrington, Cheshire sites.

The role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer you’ll be a key contributor to one of the UK’s major civil nuclear decommissioning programmes. You’ll take a leading role within a multidisciplinary engineering team, applying advanced technical expertise to develop, integrate and enhance complex mechanical systems that directly support the safe deconstruction and future‑proofing of nuclear facilities. Your work will influence high‑impact engineering decisions, ensuring compliance, technical excellence and robust design integrity across the full project lifecycle. You’ll also support the development of junior engineers, collaborate across functions and help shape best‑practice engineering within one of the most respected nuclear design alliances in the UK.

Day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex mechanical engineering tasks and provide high‑quality technical guidance
• Produce and review engineering documentation, including calculations, drawings, models and reports
• Build strong relationships with customers and act as a key technical interface
• Apply relevant procedures, codes and standards to ensure safety, compliance and technical rigour
• Identify and manage project risks while contributing to safety assessments and continuous improvement initiatives

Essential experience

• Proven experience delivering engineering activities across the full project lifecycle
• Strong track record of producing and reviewing detailed engineering documentation
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging customers and stakeholders

Qualifications

Engineering degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline

Security clearance

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

What we offer

• 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‑days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading allows employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave from their entitlement (opens February through to March annually)
• Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Cavendish Nuclear

As a leader within the UK nuclear industry, Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock International Group, provides a comprehensive range of critical nuclear solutions in clean energy, defence and civil new build and decommissioning projects. Together, we’re innovating to make nuclear safer, faster and cost‑effective across the nuclear energy life cycle. Your career with us could take you anywhere within Babcock International Group – from Canada, the USA to Japan. Work with us to create a safe and secure world, together.

We are a disability‑confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date

17/02/2026