Principal Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress

Overview

A leading engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Piping Stress Engineer to support a major nuclear civil decommissioning programme . This role is central to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient piping system design within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidiscipline engineering teams, providing technical expertise across stress analysis, flexibility assessment, support design, and compliance verification.

Key Responsibilities

Stress & Flexibility Analysis

Identify stress-critical lines through detailed review of P&IDs and line lists.
Perform piping stress analysis using recognised industry software (e.g., CAESAR II / AutoPIPE).
Evaluate nozzle loads , support loading, thermal expansion, vibration issues, and system flexibility.
Conduct static and dynamic analyses , ensuring systems meet functional, safety, and engineering design requirements.

Design & Technical Review

Review and validate piping designs, GA drawings, and engineering deliverables.
Assess and sign off piping isometrics , ensuring flexibility, routing, and support requirements are met.
Provide input into the design of pipe supports , integrating stress requirements and project specifications.
Review 3D models for compliance, constructability, clash management, and adherence to stress reports and codes.

Documentation & Compliance

Produce, check, and maintain detailed documentation including: Stress reports
Calculations
Engineering specifications
Technical assessments and design justifications

Ensure all deliverables comply with applicable nuclear standards , codes (ASME, BS/EN), safety requirements, and project procedures.
Support internal and external reviews, audits, and technical queries.

Collaboration & Project Delivery

Work closely with piping, mechanical, civil, process, and safety engineering teams.
Support project planning, change control, and design risk assessments.
Engage with stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and construction teams, ensuring a clear understanding of stress engineering requirements.

Required Experience

Proven experience as a Piping Stress Engineer within nuclear, petrochemical, energy, or similar highly regulated sectors.
Strong understanding of piping design principles, flexibility analysis, and piping system behaviour under operational loads.
Proficient in industry-standard stress analysis tools.
Solid working knowledge of ASME B31 , EN codes, and nuclear QA processes.
Experience reviewing and approving design documentation, isometrics, and 3D models.
Ability to work accurately under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Desirable Skills

Prior experience on nuclear decommissioning or nuclear new-build projects.
Familiarity with digital model review systems (E3D, PDMS, SP3D, Navisworks).
Understanding of seismic analysis, vibration mitigation, and dynamic loading scenarios.
Chartered or working toward chartered status (CEng).

Additional Information

Location: Warrington
Contract Duration: 12 months
Engagement: Inside IR35
Security: Ability to obtain BPSS

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