Fuel Handling Mechanical Engineer- Nuclear

ALTEN Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a proficient Fuel Handling Engineer to contribute to the design and development of next-generation fuel handling systems for nuclear programs. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of mechanical design experience, preferably within the nuclear sector. Responsibilities include leading mechanical concepts, performing structural assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary along with benefits such as private medical insurance and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible way of working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design, ideally with a nuclear background.
• Strong familiarity with structural calculations and functional assessments.
• Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems or equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of fuel handling systems from concept to detailed design.
• Define mechanical concepts and perform structural calculations.
• Create and review 3D CAD models and technical drawings.
• Engage with internal teams to ensure design alignment.

Skills

Mechanical design

Structural assessments

CAD modelling

Technical report writing

Education

8+ years in mechanical design

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference? You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

ALTEN UK is seeking an experienced Fuel Handling Engineer to support the design and development of next-generation fuel handling systems for major nuclear programmes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of safe, efficient, and modern reactor operations.

In this role, you will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from early optioneering and requirements capture through to detailed mechanical design, structural assessments, and technical documentation. You will collaborate closely with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders to deliver robust, high-integrity fuel handling solutions.

Your work will involve mechanical systems such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Uppenders, Spent Fuel Pools, Dry Cask Storage systems, Fuel Racks, and both in-core and ex-core mechanical components, as well as associated access platforms, cranes, rails, clamps, actuators, and handling mechanisms.

Your main responsibilities

• Lead and support the design of complex fuel handling systems> from concept through to detailed design.
• Define and develop early-stage mechanical concepts, evaluating alternatives through optioneering and trade studies.
• Perform structural calculations, functional assessments, and engineering justification activities.
• Create and review 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
• Develop detailed technical reports, design justifications, and engineering documentation.
• Engage with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment on requirements, interfaces, and design direction.
• Support design activities related to:
• Fuel Transfer Channels
• Uppenders
• Spent Fuel Pools
• Dry Cask Storage systems
• Fuel Racks
• In-core and ex-core components
• Access platforms and lifting/handling mechanisms

Who are we looking for?

• 8+ years in mechanical design, ideally with Nuclear background.
• Strong experience with structural assessments, CAD modelling and concept development.
• Hands‑on involvement with moving mechanical assemblies or fuel handling‑style equipment.
• Familiarity with technical report writing, requirement capture and stakeholder collaboration.

Desirable

• Experience with nuclear fuel handling or reactor auxiliary systems.
• Background in safety‑critical or highly regulated industries.
• Understanding of optioneering processes, trade studies, or design decision frameworks.
• Exposure to structural qualification, seismic assessments, or heavy lifting systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design, ideally within the nuclear sector.
• Strong background in mechanical calculations and functional assessment.
• Experience designing or analysing moving mechanical assemblies (e.g., cranes, actuators, clamps, rails, casks).
• Proficient in CAD modelling and creation of engineering drawings.
• Experience with requirements capture, concept development, and technical report writing.
• Familiarity with fuel handling‑related equipment such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Fuel Racks, Uppenders, or spent fuel systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders.

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continually strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement.

Alten Labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more push boundaries and embrace new possibilities. Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)