Principal Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Principal Engineer with a strong technical background to support our structural engineering team delivering projects within the nuclear sector. This role is ideally suited to an engineer who has developed a solid technical foundation and is now looking to transition into a hybrid role combining technical leadership with emerging people and project responsibilities.

The Principal Engineer will continue to play a hands-on role in engineering design and analysis, while progressively taking on greater responsibility for technical oversight, mentoring and coordination within project teams. The role offers a clear pathway towards increased leadership responsibility and progression towards Chartered Engineer status.

• Deliver high-quality engineering design and analysis for nuclear projects, from concept through to detailed design and implementation.
• Lead defined technical packages of work, taking responsibility for quality, coordination and timely delivery.
• Produce, check and review calculations, drawings, specifications and technical reports in accordance with nuclear, industry and statutory standards.
• Support nuclear safety cases, substantiation and design justification activities where required.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to junior engineers and technicians, supporting their development and day-to-day delivery.
• Work closely with project managers to support programme delivery and manage technical risks.
• Collaborate effectively with other disciplines, clients and stakeholders within a highly regulated environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, promoting best practice, lessons learned and technical excellence.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, security and quality in all aspects of work.

• Strong technical experience delivering engineering design within the nuclear industry or similarly regulated sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of technical outputs and lead defined elements of project delivery.
• Clear understanding of nuclear safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly and constructively.
• Willingness and capability to support and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage own workload and priorities effectively.
• Motivated to broaden responsibilities and develop leadership capability alongside technical expertise.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including progression towards Chartered status.

• Experience contributing to nuclear safety cases, substantiation or design justification.
• Experience providing technical checking or informal supervision of others’ work.
• Awareness of programme, cost and quality drivers within regulated projects.
• Experience working directly with nuclear clients, licensees or duty holders.

• Degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Structural or a related engineering discipline.
• Actively working towards Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional institution.

• Structured mentoring and support towards Chartered Engineer status.
• Technical training relevant to nuclear design, safety and regulatory expectations.
• Development opportunities to build leadership, coordination and technical assurance skills.

The role will require the ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

A full UK driving licence may be required for site and client visits.

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. We combine the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 400 locations around the world. We are Leading with Science® to provide sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients.

At Tetra Tech, we provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits. Learn more by visiting

For more information on our company, please visit our…