Classifications
Design Engineer Mechanical
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Design Team as a Mechanical Design Engineer, delivering high-quality mechanical design packages that support a diverse range of projects across the Dounreay site. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your engineering expertise in a technically challenging environment where your work will help shape safe, compliant and effective engineering solutions.
You’ll work collaboratively with engineering colleagues, project teams and key stakeholders, taking designs from concept through to delivery while ensuring the highest standards of safety, technical governance and regulatory compliance.
What you'll be doing:
You’ll play an important role in developing and delivering mechanical engineering solutions, producing robust design documentation and providing technical input throughout the project lifecycle. Working closely with colleagues and stakeholders, you’ll help ensure engineering activities are safe, compliant, technically sound and delivered effectively.
- Develop and deliver mechanical designs, producing high-quality engineering reports, proposals, specifications, calculations, drawings and supporting documentation
- Provide technical expertise and governance, resolving engineering queries, developing practical solutions to operational challenges and ensuring designs comply with applicable regulations, standards and Dounreay design processes
- Support successful project delivery by developing and monitoring plans and procedures, identifying resource requirements, supporting verification and substantiation activities, and ensuring work remains aligned with agreed schedules
- Champion safe and collaborative working, applying health, safety, environmental and waste management requirements while building effective relationships with project teams, specialists, regulators, contractors and other key stakeholders
What you'll bring:
We’re looking for a practical and solutions-focused mechanical engineer who combines sound technical knowledge with the ability to work collaboratively and apply engineering standards effectively. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership of your work, making informed technical decisions and contributing positively to the delivery of safe and compliant engineering solutions.
- HND in Engineering or an equivalent qualification, aligned with the Engineering Council Standard for Engineering Technician
- Relevant mechanical engineering experience, with the technical knowledge and practical understanding needed to contribute effectively to engineering and design activities
- A good understanding of design governance, including low-risk and full design processes. Knowledge of Engineering manual and Dounreay design processes would be highly valuable
- The ability to meet the post specific capability (details attached) requirements associated with the role
We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 12 October 2026, however, please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
If you require assistance at any point during the recruitment process contact careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk at the appropriate time so we can make any necessary, reasonable adjustment.
Please note: All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.