Principal / SME Nuclear HVAC System Design Engineer

Location: Bristol, Epsom, Manchester, Warrington or Derby Status: CONTRACT - INSIDE IR35 Duration: 6 months initial with view to extend Morson Edge are delighted to present a unique contract opportunity for a highly experienced Principal / SME Nuclear HVAC Systems Design Engineer to join our client's team within the dynamic, Small Modular Reactor space. Outline: Provide expert input to the design, integration, and delivery of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, including chilled water, within the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme. Ensure systems meet nuclear safety, regulatory, and performance requirements, supporting the overall plant design and lifecycle objectives. Key Duties: Design Leadership: Lead the end-to-end design of HVAC systems for nuclear applications, including containment ventilation, auxiliary building systems, and safety-critical air handling units. Technical review: Review the work of others to check the correctness and ensure compliance with applicable nuclear codes, standards and project requirements. Integration & Collaboration: Work closely with safety, layout, civil, electrical, control systems and other teams to ensure HVAC systems are fully integrated into the SMR design. Supplier Engagement: Define scope for and manage relationships with HVAC service providers, ensuring technical specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules are met. Risk & Safety Management: Identify and mitigate design risks, ensuring HVAC systems contribute to the overall safety case and resilience of the SMR. Documentation & Review: Oversee the production of design documentation, including system diagrams, specifications, and verification plans. Lead design reviews and support audits. Change management: Manage change on behalf of the HVAC team, including assessing other team's changes for impacts to HVAC system design and advocating for HVAC. Skills / Qualifications / Experience: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent) Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) Significant proven experience in HVAC design within nuclear, defence, or highly regulated industries Strong understanding of nuclear safety principles and regulatory frameworks or other experience in highly regulated environment Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Knowledge of the application of systems engineering to the development of HVAC systems