Company: AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
Location: Aldermaston
Posted: May 4th, 2026
Principal Engineering Manager - New Build Delivery Lead
Location: located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: £70,000 to £100,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that.
Let us introduce the role:
AWE is currently recruiting for Principal Engineering Managers to act as Intelligent Client (IC), Principal Designer (PD) and hold Delegated Design Authority (DDA) across both the Nuclear, and Conventional New Build programmes. As a life cycle delivery lead, you will hold responsibility for providing strategic leadership and management of professional engineering services, in support of the CASD Programme and the company's strategic goals. Our range of new build programmes for which we are recruiting include:
Nuclear material processing, manufacturing, storage and waste processing facilities
Multi-material (Conventional) manufacturing, trials and test laboratories
Explosive material manufacture and processing facilities
You will be the focal leadership point and signpost for advice, information and expertise about policy, best practice, knowledge and relevant standards. In addition, you'll provide due governance and management to meet relevant Nuclear Licence Conditions (i.e. LC 19, LC 20 and LC 21), safety codes and quality standards.
The ideal candidate(s) will have experience across the following:
Previously worked in a strategic programme delivery role (such as systems engineering, manufacturing process technologies, critical infrastructure, building services and built environment) or a new build leadership role, with responsibility for the development of team members, meeting project targets and objectives and delivering exceptional health and safety standards.
Experienced in the design coordination of mechanical, electrical, public health (MEP) building services and technical assurance across large infrastructure upgrades and new build programmes.
Knowledge of industrial building services and network design principles, whether conventional or high hazard (such as Pharmaceutical, Chemical-Toxic, Nuclear or Explosive), with experience of coordinating security segregated working zones during construction phases.
Extensive experience delivering engineering programmes (definition to handover) in accordance with RIBA, BSRIA or other similar delivery frameworks in an Intelligent Customer (IC) capacity.
An excellent understanding and ability to apply applicable legislation and standards relevant to safety within engineering (e.g. HSAWA, CDM).
Good awareness of construction supply chain methodologies including modern Design for Manufacture (DfM), construction standardisation and integrated digital design (digital twin) technologies.
Experience in managing contractual frameworks such as NEC4 as the client, with the ability to articulate technical complexities and have excellent communication skills, giving clear, professional interaction with stakeholders at all levels.
Experience of leading multi-discipline groups, resolving conflicts, driving performance and fostering collaboration to meet the strategic programme demands.
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have the following:
Degree in an engineering, civil or construction management discipline or a suitable equivalent (STEM).
Be professionally registered at a Fellow or Chartered status level of a suitably relevant recognised professional body.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
A level of hybrid working may be available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. (expectation is a minimum of 3 days per week onsite).
Relocation assistance (Conditions apply)
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
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