Fuel Handling Mechanical Engineer- Nuclear
ALTEN
Full-time
On-site
Derby England United Kingdom
Company Description
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?
You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
Job Description
ALTEN UK is seeking an experienced Fuel Handling Engineer to support the design and development of next-generation fuel handling systems for major nuclear programmes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of safe, efficient, and modern reactor operations.
In this role, you will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from early optioneering and requirements capture through to detailed mechanical design, structural assessments, and technical documentation. You will collaborate closely with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders to deliver robust, high-integrity fuel handling solutions.
Your work will involve mechanical systems such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Uppenders, Spent Fuel Pools, Dry Cask Storage systems, Fuel Racks, and both in-core and ex-core mechanical components, as well as associated access platforms, cranes, rails, clamps, actuators, and handling mechanisms.
Your main responsibilities will be:
Lead and support the design of complex fuel handling systems from concept through to detailed design.
Define and develop early-stage mechanical concepts, evaluating alternatives through optioneering and trade studies.
Perform structural calculations, functional assessments, and engineering justification activities.
Create and review 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
Develop detailed technical reports, design justifications, and engineering documentation.
Engage with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment on requirements, interfaces, and design direction.
Support design activities related to:
Fuel Transfer Channels
Uppenders
Spent Fuel Pools
Dry Cask Storage systems
Fuel Racks
In-core and ex-core components
Access platforms and lifting/handling mechanisms
Who are we looking for?
8+ years in mechanical design, ideally with Nuclear background.
Strong experience with structural assessments, CAD modelling and concept development.
Hands-on involvement with moving mechanical assemblies or fuel handling-style equipment.
Familiarity with technical report writing, requirement capture and stakeholder collaboration.
You are...
Passionate about engineering
result-oriented
proactive
Qualifications
Experience, skills and qualifications required:
8 + years of experience in mechanical design, ideally within nuclear sector.
Strong background in, mechanical calculations, and functional assessment.
Experience designing or analysing moving mechanical assemblies (e.g., cranes, actuators, clamps, rails, casks).
Proficient in CAD modelling and creation of engineering drawings.
Experience with requirements capture, concept development, and technical report writing.
Familiarity with fuel handling–related equipment such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Fuel Racks, Uppenders, or spent fuel systems.
Ability to work collaboratively with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders.
Desirable:
Experience with nuclear fuel handling or reactor auxiliary systems.
Background in safety-critical or highly regulated industries.
Understanding of optioneering processes, trade studies, or design decision frameworks.
Exposure to structural qualification, seismic assessments, or heavy lifting systems.
Additional Information
Why join us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.
Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.
Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
A competitive salary
Private Medical Insurance
Pension Scheme
Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
Flexible way of working (role dependent)
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?
You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
Job Description
ALTEN UK is seeking an experienced Fuel Handling Engineer to support the design and development of next-generation fuel handling systems for major nuclear programmes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of safe, efficient, and modern reactor operations.
In this role, you will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from early optioneering and requirements capture through to detailed mechanical design, structural assessments, and technical documentation. You will collaborate closely with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders to deliver robust, high-integrity fuel handling solutions.
Your work will involve mechanical systems such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Uppenders, Spent Fuel Pools, Dry Cask Storage systems, Fuel Racks, and both in-core and ex-core mechanical components, as well as associated access platforms, cranes, rails, clamps, actuators, and handling mechanisms.
Your main responsibilities will be:
Lead and support the design of complex fuel handling systems from concept through to detailed design.
Define and develop early-stage mechanical concepts, evaluating alternatives through optioneering and trade studies.
Perform structural calculations, functional assessments, and engineering justification activities.
Create and review 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
Develop detailed technical reports, design justifications, and engineering documentation.
Engage with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment on requirements, interfaces, and design direction.
Support design activities related to:
Fuel Transfer Channels
Uppenders
Spent Fuel Pools
Dry Cask Storage systems
Fuel Racks
In-core and ex-core components
Access platforms and lifting/handling mechanisms
Who are we looking for?
8+ years in mechanical design, ideally with Nuclear background.
Strong experience with structural assessments, CAD modelling and concept development.
Hands-on involvement with moving mechanical assemblies or fuel handling-style equipment.
Familiarity with technical report writing, requirement capture and stakeholder collaboration.
You are...
Passionate about engineering
result-oriented
proactive
Qualifications
Experience, skills and qualifications required:
8 + years of experience in mechanical design, ideally within nuclear sector.
Strong background in, mechanical calculations, and functional assessment.
Experience designing or analysing moving mechanical assemblies (e.g., cranes, actuators, clamps, rails, casks).
Proficient in CAD modelling and creation of engineering drawings.
Experience with requirements capture, concept development, and technical report writing.
Familiarity with fuel handling–related equipment such as Fuel Transfer Channels, Fuel Racks, Uppenders, or spent fuel systems.
Ability to work collaboratively with analysts, design engineers, and project stakeholders.
Desirable:
Experience with nuclear fuel handling or reactor auxiliary systems.
Background in safety-critical or highly regulated industries.
Understanding of optioneering processes, trade studies, or design decision frameworks.
Exposure to structural qualification, seismic assessments, or heavy lifting systems.
Additional Information
Why join us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.
Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.
Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
A competitive salary
Private Medical Insurance
Pension Scheme
Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
Flexible way of working (role dependent)