Principal Process Engineer

Help us to make a world of difference

Urenco is a global leader in the production of low carbon energy. We work at the cutting edge of the transition to a sustainable, net zero world.

We're looking for a Principal Process Engineer to join our team at Capenhurst. As a member of the Design Engineering leadership team, you will support the Senior Manager Design Engineering in delivering departmental objectives and strategy, while leading a team of Process Engineers and Senior Process Engineers within a matrix organisation.

You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) solutions in line with agreed project requirements, Urenco engineering standards and industry best practice. Working closely with Design Managers and other engineering disciplines, you will drive consistency, quality and optimisation across process design activities.

As the discipline lead for Process Engineering, you will provide technical leadership, guidance and oversight throughout the design development lifecycle. You will support the development of engineering capability through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing, ensuring your team maintains the skills and expertise required to deliver complex engineering programmes.

Acting as a key contributor within Urenco's Centre of Excellence for Plant Design, you will play a critical role in shaping innovative, safe and efficient process solutions that support the delivery of strategic projects across the business.

At Urenco we’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. If you feel you meet some, but not all of what we're looking for, please still apply. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training and development experiences. Along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry.

What you'll do

Engineering Leadership & Team Development

Lead, manage and develop a team of 10-12 Process Engineers and Senior Process Engineers.
Foster a high-performing team culture aligned with Urenco's values, behaviours and ways of working.
Define and deliver training and development programmes to ensure engineers maintain Suitable Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) status.
Provide coaching, technical guidance and support to develop engineering capability and succession within the team.
Design & Technical Excellence

Ensure consistency, quality and alignment of plant designs, applying Urenco standards, industry best practice and customer requirements.
Lead the delivery of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), including Conceptual and Basic Design phases, for Urenco's capital investment programmes.
Develop and implement innovative plant and facility design solutions that utilise best practice and state-of-the-art technologies.
Provide technical leadership in defining, challenging and substantiating engineering solutions, ensuring designs meet safety, operational and performance requirements.
Resource & Stakeholder Management

Work closely with the Senior Manager Design Engineering and Design Managers to effectively allocate engineering resources across projects and programmes.
Build and maintain strong working relationships across Design Engineering, Technology Development and Site Operations to ensure successful project delivery and effective knowledge sharing.
Support the Senior Manager Design Engineering in delivering departmental objectives and budgets.
Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Champion a proactive safety culture and promote learning from experience across engineering activities.
Support the implementation and continuous improvement of engineering processes, procedures and quality systems.
Ensure engineering services are delivered in accordance with Urenco governance, standards and regulatory requirements.
Anticipate future business needs, technology developments and Design Authority requirements to support long-term capability and growth.
What do you need to thrive in this role?

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
Professional Engineering (PE) registration or equivalent professional accreditation is desirable.
Additional qualifications or training in Physics, Chemistry, Advanced Process Technology, Industrial Safety or Nuclear Safety would be advantageous.
Experience

Proven experience leading engineering teams in the delivery of complex plant design and engineering projects.
Demonstrable leadership experience managing and developing teams of highly skilled technical specialists.
Strong track record of delivering Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for major capital projects.
Experience defining, developing and substantiating engineering solutions to support safety assessments, safety cases and regulatory submissions.
Experience working within highly regulated industries such as nuclear, energy, chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals or similar process-based environments.
Skills & Attributes

Strong leadership, people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent technical judgement and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and organisational levels.
Strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical, commercial and operational priorities.
Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
What can you expect from us?

More than just a job, we offer a future. More than just a place to work, we provide an opportunity to prosper.  As an employee of Urenco you will receive:

Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day every two years (up to 30 days), plus 13 additional flexible days. Option to buy or sell up to 5 holiday days.
Family-Friendly Policies: A wide range of policies to support work-life balance and family needs.
Bonus Scheme: A competitive bonus scheme based on company and individual performance.
Pension Scheme: Defined contribution plan with up to 16% employer contribution.
Private Medical & Dental Cover: Single coverage with the option to purchase additional benefits.
Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, income protection, and other options tailored to your lifestyle, with tax and National Insurance savings.
Training & Development: A focus on continuous learning, with personalised training packages to support your career growth, including mandatory health and safety courses.
Security vetting

Due to the nature of the industry that Urenco operates in, all personnel regardless of employment status working for Urenco are required to obtain security clearance at the level required for their role. Security clearances are assessed in accordance with regulations and official guidance issued by the relevant competent authorities for national security vetting. In certain circumstances, additional enhanced security clearance considerations apply to roles within Urenco owing to the particular activities that the Urenco Group undertakes in relation to uranium enrichment. Successful candidates will need to satisfy security requirements, and all offers of appointment are made subject to the successful approval of all checks initiated.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce

As a truly global company with a presence in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, we know that our individual differences make us stronger. Putting people at the heart of our business, we strive to create an open and inclusive workplace that allows every voice to be heard and diversity to thrive. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please let our talent acquisition team know.

Because together, we are one Urenco. We are enriching the world. And enriching your future
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed