Principal EC&I Engineer

We’re recruiting for two Principal EC&I Engineers to join our client in Chorley. This position is ideal for an experienced, professionally registered engineer who enjoys leading design teams and ensuring technical integrity on safety‑critical projects. You’ll play a key role in influencing engineering delivery and shaping compliant, high‑quality solutions in a collaborative environment. This is an outside IR35 contract role.

Location and Working Pattern:
Chorley‑based with a 4‑day working week (37.5 hours over four days). Hybrid working is available, generally two days in the office and two days working remotely. Please note that this is primarily an on‑site role with regular office attendance required.

Client Overview:
Our client delivers innovative engineering solutions within highly regulated industries, ensuring safety, compliance and performance. They have a strong reputation for quality engineering and supporting professional development across their teams.

• Lead and supervise discipline‑specific engineering design teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Provide technical direction, oversight and guidance in line with engineering best practice and industry standards.
• Support the Engineering Manager with performance reporting on cost, schedule, quality and safety metrics.
• Produce design basis documentation and oversee risk assessments to ensure compliant, safe design.
• Conduct design reviews and check deliverables to maintain technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Implement configuration control, ensuring controlled management of 3D models, drawings and technical documents.
• Coordinate collaborative working with other disciplines and facilitate engagement with stakeholders, SMEs, suppliers and clients.
• Drive continuous improvement through quality planning, lessons learned and applying value engineering principles.

• Professionally registered engineer with a Level6 qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven capability in leading or supervising engineering teams within complex, safety‑critical environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of applicable legislation, UKCA/CE marking, and nuclear safety principles.
• Competence in configuration control and engineering assurance processes.
• Ability to review, check and verify engineering deliverables against standards and compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with Machinery Directive, LOLER, PUWER, and CDM regulations.
• Experience producing Analysis and Assessment Plans (AAPs) and managing design interfaces.
• Coaching and mentoring skills to support team development.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.