Engineer Mechanical

Join NRS Dounreay and play a key role in one of the UK's most significant nuclear decommissioning programmes. As a Mechanical Project Engineer, you'll provide technical expertise to support the safe and efficient defuelling of the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), helping to deliver nationally important projects in a unique and highly regulated environment.

What you will be doing

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the successful defuel of the DFR Reactor.  You will support operational progress, assisting in the resolution of emergent technical issues from operational activities.  Additionally, you’ll provide valuable input into procurement, contractor engagement, governance, reporting, and other activities that underpin robust project performance.

Key Deliverables:

• Apply health, safety, environmental and waste management processes with engineering activities taking advice where necessary from appropriate specialists
• Resolve technical queries and develop appropriate solutions for operational problems
• Create technical documentation including engineering reports, proposals, specifications, calculations and reviews

What you will bring

You will bring valuable experience from a Mechanical Project Engineering environment, with exposure operations in controlled areas.  Your strong communication and interpersonal skills enable you to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers, designers and project operations, while your solid understanding of CDM Regulations, Mechanical Engineering, and site control processes ensures safe and compliant project delivery.

Key attributes:

• Practical experience across Mechanical/related disciplines, supported by strong technical understanding and safety awareness.
• Excellent communication, organisational capability, and confidence working within fast¿paced site environments.
• Proactive approach to safety, compliance and continuous improvement
• HND Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 

Why Join NRS Dounreay?

• Play an integral role in a critical national programme
• Contribute to the safe and effective delivery of complex decommissioning activities
• Help uphold the highest standards of health, safety, environment, and quality
• Make a direct impact on protecting people, the environment, and site infrastructure
• Benefits such as; 13.5% employer pension contribution, 28 days annual leave + bank holiday, Company bonus scheme, Flexible working, Relocation assistance, Excellent flexible benefits & healthcare options

Interviews are expected week commencing Monday ** 2026. Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage early application.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

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.