Astute People

Piping Design Group – Lead Mechanical Engineer Location: Bristol (minimum 3 days in the office) Salary/range, per annum: (Depending on experience)

• Minimum range: £67 k
• Maximum range: £77k

Employment type: Permanent/Full Time  Starting date: ASAP The Opportunity  EPR-E is a joint venture between EDF and Framatome, an EPCC established in 2018 in charge of the design (basic design) and the realization (studies, procurement, erection, testing and commissioning) of nuclear islands for new projects in France and worldwide. In particular, EPR-E is responsible for the design and construction of the nuclear island for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project and prepare the design replication and engineering activities for the Sizewell C (SZC) Project. There are opportunities to support the growth and long-term capability of EPR Engineering by bringing talented mechanical engineers into our organization with a growth mindset and an enthusiasm for delivering one of the most significant infrastructure projects on the planet. Primarily, we all seeking to support our piping design capability with the immediate posting but are keen to invest in our employees with diverse growth opportunities throughout their careers. The role EPR-E UK Piping team is in charge of the detail design of 300km of piping network of the HPC Nuclear Island, up to the issue for fabrication and with additional support provided through to erection on site. Our goal is to safeguard our organisation’s technical capability with talented and growth-oriented individuals who are keen to apply and develop their technical competency in the field of piping engineering. We are seeking experienced engineers to lead team delivery and maintain key technical competency positions in our piping teams for the medium to long term. Future career path opportunities are available across the wider piping and equipment department, and beyond in the expanded EDF operational organization. Successful candidates will join our piping design team, working with and leading a team of engineers and CAD designers on the timely production of piping design models and deliverables on the HPC Nuclear Island scope, ensuring the piping design is executed accurately, respecting system requirements, specifications and configuration changes. This will frequently involve collaborative work with execution design, procurement and equipment contracts along with other multi-disciplinary design teams to support design delivery in accordance with site construction schedules. Largely being in the post-handover phase of design delivery, our Piping Engineers are responsible for integration of remaining design changes, and final equipment designs into the delivered 3D models. They are expected to contribute to and oversee the Open Point and UK Design Change management processes for their designated areas, ensuring that impacts to the design are properly categorized and logged prior to their resolution. The engineers are also expected to engage in continuous learning improvement and the identification and correction of non-conformances in the design. Senior engineers are expected to participate in the long-term support of the teams capability by participating in the training of junior team members in day-to-day activities and the mentoring of certain individuals for key positions. They are expected to act as an example of positive behaviours expected from all team members. Exact responsibilities will vary depending on technical scope but are expected to include up to the following:  

• Lead team delivery of the piping work packages for UK nuclear projects, ensure adherence to specifications, delivery/design processes and QA, including chairing kick off meetings;
• Drive maturity of design and closure of issues to agreed delivery schedule, and that the hand-over package fulfils the quality and maturity requirements given by the Project;
• Drive delivery in support of the project schedule and budget
• Plan, coordinate and report on team delivery to area managers and scheduling teams while managing client expectations and participating in contractual change processes as required.
• Mentor and manage junior members of the team to ensure delivery quality and growth of team competency.
• Act as a champion of deliverable quality and process adherence and continuous improvement within the team
• Oversee the coordination of active design changes in accordance with project processes and the modelling of piping & support design in the 3D model;
• Lead troubleshooting investigations for emergent design issues in accordance with project processes, acting as a point of technical authority within the team for issues relevant to scope;
• Ensure adherence of the design to specification and component catalogues and the overall consistency of the piping and support design (distance between runs, position of welds and openings, etc.);
• Propose technical solutions to issues that are found on the generic design concept;
• Ensure communication between different stakeholders in the design workflow is upheld (calculation team, layout, equipment)
• Drive efficiency and challenge established processes and ways of working to optimise delivery and promote design stability
• Support the business with the maintenance and development of in-house technical competency

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Mechanical Engineering degree or suitable diploma;
• Knowledge of piping engineering and plant design principles in process industries;

• Demonstrable competency in leading delivery of technical work packages and supervision of team members;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to be able to support the team and share knowledge;
• Very good interpersonal skills and demonstrable competency in negotiation and conflict management;
• Proactive and self motivated in completion of tasks;
• Ability to meet commitments and deadlines;
• Able to follow project engineering procedures;
• High level of technical coordination

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Chartered status with accredited organisation
• Prior experience in nuclear piping design delivery to RCC-M nuclear codes
• Knowledge of EPR Engineering structure and technical management processes
• Knowledge of Aveva PDMS/E3D or experience with similar plant design packages

Competitive Salary & Benefits  

Astute’s Nuclear team are recruiting for a Nuclear Safety Manager to join a key team across the Sizewell C project in Bristol. The Nuclear Safety Manager will be responsible for the overall activities relating to safety for the project. The Nuclear Safety Manager is a business-critical role coordinating the delivery of Safety activities for the SZC Project and comes with a salary up to £70,000 depending on seniority, and experience. If you’re an experienced Safety Manager with a history of managing large construction projects from design phase and are looking to work for an organisation at the forefront of nuclear energy, then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties As the Nuclear Safety Manager you will:  

• Be responsible for the coordination of actives in the following areas for the project; Safety Functional Requirements, Hazards, Fault Studies, Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA), Human Factors, Security, Structural Integrity, Environment, Decommissioning, Fire and Radiation Protection.
• Ensure delivery of the above activities performed by the safety team are managed in accordance with the contract requirements
• Utilise the safety studies from HPC for SZC
• Ensure the plans and schedule for safety activities align with the requirements of the project, allocating appropriate resource and staffing
• Utilise the wider team to ensure potential design changes are analysed and challenged where needed from a technical perspective
• Build relationships with stakeholders across design and client interfaces to ensure replication activities are successful
• Review and approve technical documentation delivered by the safety team
• Report on outcomes, progress and challenges for the team ensuring costs and time are allocated accordingly
• Any other duties as required

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• Degree qualified Engineer
• A general knowledge of nuclear safety, in particular knowledge of EPR or PWR designs would be advantageous
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in highly regulated industry

    Personal skills The Nuclear Safety Manager role would suit someone who is:  

• Capable of strategic viewpoint and ability to communicate across all levels
• Proactive in the approach to challenges and issues
• Confident in their ability to lead a team and give direction

    Salary and benefits of the role  

• Basic salary of £60,000 - £70,000 DOE
• Hybrid working model
• Competitive Package

 

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a successful and leading contractor in the Energy from Waste to recruit a Site and Facilities Assistant for its site in Middlesbrough. The Site and Facilities Assistant role is offered on a 24 month fixed term contract (FTC) basis and comes with a salary of £30,000-£35,000 starting in May 2026.  If you’re a Site and Facilities Assistant available for an May 2026 start, then submit your CV to apply today.                 Responsibilities and duties  

• Acting as the office administrator for the site including managing office supplies, filing, organization of travel, recording and storing of documentation
• Acting as the Facilities Assistant - maintaining the overall operation and upkeep of the site compound, ensuring all facilities are safe, clean, and fully functional. Supporting daily site activities, including managing utilities, coordinating maintenance tasks, and assisting with general site logistics.
• Providing full administrative support to the Site Manager.
• Welcome visitors and clients including arranging catering as required
• Provide full administrative support to the Site Manager.
• Keep the Site Manager informed of all site related activities. 
• Be aware of all Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) requirements relevant to their role, and implement and comply with them.
• The candidate should hold strong administrative experience ideally within Construction or Engineering industries.
• Must be comfortable working in a site-based environment, therefore experience in this would be ideal.
• Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications.

Salary and benefits of the Site and Facilities Assistant role  

• £30,000-£35,000 per annum
• Pension of up to 10% employer contribution
• Life Assurance, disability insurance, private medical and dental insurance
• 24 days annual leave per annum

Mechanical Maintenance Technician

Plastic Recycling Avonmouth £41,700 - Monday- Friday Days 

Introduction

Our Client is one of the UK's leading provider of Environmental solutions, offering a full range of Waste and Energy Recovery services through a vast and growing network of Plants and Facilities across the country. As such, they are looking for a Mechanical Maintenance Technician to join their largest polymer recycling facility in the UK, based in Avonmouth. Working as their Mechanical Maintenance Technician, you will be responsible for carrying out key planned, preventative and breakdown maintenance across the recycling facility on a wide variety of heavy plant and equipment.

 

What you will be doing

As the Mechanical Maintenance Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Preventative maintenance (PPMs) and reactive maintenance across heavy industrial plant
• Mechanical fault-finding and route cause analysis techniques
• Working across all processing plant
• Maintenance on wash plant,sorting equipment, motors, conveyors and other manufacturing based equipment.
• Minimising downtime, ensuring plant runs at optimum performance
• Be able to deliver all work set to the operational expectations and budgetary requirements
• Keep records using CMMS
• Working as part of a shift pattern
• Other duties as required.

 

What you will need

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a Mechanical Engineering/ Maintenance role
• Heavy Industrial experience – e.g. processing plant, waste, manufacturing
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams and drawings
• Pneumatic skills and experience

 

What’s on Offer

• Competitive Package of up to £41,700
• Opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading Waste Management companies

 

How to Apply

For more information please contact Gemma Nixon on 02392 222 964 or emailing your CV to [email protected].

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a leading Waste Management Company a to recruit a Mechanical Package Manager on a 12 month contract for its Hampshire location.   The Mechanical Package Manager comes with a rate of between £400-£475 per day.     Key skills 

 

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of mechanical system - including low-carbon heating, heat distribution, water systems, CHP integration, and replacement of legacy steam/boiler infrastructure.
• Develop technical specifications, scopes of work, and procurement packages, managing supplier selection, tender evaluations, and contract awards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design across mechanical, electrical, controls/BMS, civil, structural, and architectural teams to ensure integrated building performance.
• Manage mechanical project budgets, schedules, and risks, including cost control, programme delivery, variation management, and mitigation of technical risks.
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, health and safety requirements, and oversee quality assurance, commissioning, testing, and handover of mechanical systems.
• Monitor and report project performance, including carbon and energy savings, while liaising with clients, funders, regulatory bodies, and contractors to support successful project delivery.

    Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Mechanical Package Manager role  

• Southampton
• £400-475 per day
• 12 month contract

Mechanical Technician

Plastic Recycling Avonmouth £43,800 + Package ( 4 on- 4 off Day & Night shifts)

Introduction

Our Client is one of the UK's leading provider of Environmental solutions, offering a full range of Waste and Energy Recovery services through a vast and growing network of Plants and Facilities across the country. As such, they are looking for a Mechanical Maintenance Technician to join their largest polymer recycling facility in the UK, based in Avonmouth. Working as their Mechanical Maintenance Technician, you will be responsible for carrying out key planned, preventative and breakdown maintenance across the recycling facility on a wide variety of heavy plant and equipment.

 

What you will be doing

As the Mechanical Maintenance Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Preventative maintenance (PPMs) and reactive maintenance across heavy industrial plant
• Mechanical fault-finding and route cause analysis techniques
• Working across all processing plant
• Maintenance on wash plant,sorting equipment, motors, conveyors and other manufacturing based equipment.
• Minimising downtime, ensuring plant runs at optimum performance
• Be able to deliver all work set to the operational expectations and budgetary requirements
• Keep records using CMMS
• Working as part of a shift pattern
• Other duties as required.

This is 4 on 4 off shift position including night shifts. Please only apply if this is suitable.

 

What you will need

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a Mechanical Engineering/ Maintenance role
• Heavy Industrial experience – e.g. processing plant, waste, manufacturing
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams and drawings
• Pneumatic skills and experience

 

What’s on Offer

• Competitive Package of up to £43,800
• Opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading Waste Management companies

 

How to Apply

For more information please contact Gemma Nixon on 02392 222 964 or emailing your CV to [email protected].

Site Operative

Plastics Recycling

Avonmouth

£36,000 basic salary (4 on 4 off - Days & Nights)

 

Introduction

We are currently looking for a Level 3 Site Operative to join one of the leading Waste Management specialists in the UK. Working at their Plastic Recycling Facility in Avonmouth, the Site Operative will be responsible for supporting with the operating, inspecting and maintenance of static and mobile plant on-site.

This role involves working a 4 on 4 off rotating shift pattern including night shifts, please only apply is this is suitable.

 

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Level 3 Site Operative, you will be responsible for:

• Operation of multiple machines involved in the recycling of plastics, mainly Extruders
• Cleaning and performing basic maintenance tasks on machinery
• Undertaking basic fault finding on machinery
• Occasional cover at other waste facilities as required.

 

Skills & Qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• Previous experience of operating mobile plant
• Demonstrable experience working in a production environment (ideally recycling)
• Experience operating an Extruder (desirable)
• Strong understanding of health and safety

 

Salary & Package

What’s on offer for this exciting role:

• £36,000 basic salary
• 10% annual bonus
• Fantastic company benefits
• Opportunity to work for an industry leader

 

How to Apply

To apply, please call Gemma Nixon on 02392 222 964 or send a copy of your CV to [email protected]

Principal CS&A Engineer – Nuclear August start Rate (Inside IR35) - £45 - £60ph Duration - 11 months Warrington/Hybrid     About the role: Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a leading company within the Nuclear and Defence sectors to recruit a Principal CS&A Engineer for its Warrington site. The project critical Principal CS&A role comes with an hourly rate up to £60ph and a hybrid or remote set up depending on the calibre of candidate. If you’re a Principal (or experienced) CS&A Engineer and are looking to work for an organisation that is a leader in the Nuclear sector, then upload your CV to apply today.                     Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the Project Manager you will:

• Deliver high quality structural and civil design solutions for Nuclear projects, showcasing expertise in this specialized field.
• Conduct in-depth concept and feasibility studies for multi-disciplinary projects, contributing to innovative approaches.
• Utilize advanced engineering software like Staad for precise and efficient analysis and design of complex structures.
• Prepare essential project documents and coordinate inter-discipline design activities.
• Collaborate with Technicians for seamless integration of design elements in Revit models.
• Work within integrated multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-profile projects efficiently.
• Visiting sites when necessary, including in Scotland.

    Professional qualifications: We are looking for someone with the following:

• Degree level qualification in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Currently or working towards Professional Chartership (ICE or IStrucE).
• Previous experience in reinforced concrete or steelwork structure design.
• Nuclear industry experience.

    Personal skills: The role would suit someone who is:

• Currently or eligible for SC Clearance.
• Happy to travel to sites including travel to Scotland.

    Salary and benefits of the Principal CS&A Engineer role:

• Hourly rate up to £60ph
• Expenses paid for all travel
• Potential for further project work

    How to apply? To apply for this opportunity simply send a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter to [email protected] or call 02392 222 961 to speak to Sophie Thwaites who can tell you more.   INDNUC

Solar Farm Electrical Technician Cornwall Up to £40,000 per annum + benefits + Company van     Introduction Astute are proud to be working with one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies who are looking for a Solar Farm Electrical Technician to join their team. The client delivers renewable energy projects across the world working across onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage and transmission and distribution.                     Roles & Responsibilities The Solar Farm Electrical Technician will be responsible for:  

• Performing Operation & Maintenance tasks on utility-scale solar plants with outputs of 5 MW and above
• To ensure the solar plants achieve outstanding levels of safety, quality and performance
• Undertake planned inspection and maintenance
• Inspection, testing and maintenance of PV modules, DC strings and inverters
• Undertake AC and DC testing, troubleshooting and fault-finding
• Keep accurate maintenance records and compile reports

      Skills & Qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• Experience in Operations & Maintenance in large scale solar environments
• Experience working with SCADA or data monitoring systems
• DC & LV installation, fault find, testing and commissioning experience
• High Voltage experience
• Fully qualified Electrician
• Full UK Driving License

    Salary & Package What’s on offer for this exciting role:  

•  £30,000 - £40,000 DOE
•  Company van and fuel card
•  Private Healthcare
•  Pension scheme & Life assurance
•  Company Bonus scheme
•  25 Days holiday plus Bank holidays

    How to apply? To apply for this opportunity simply send a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter to  [email protected]  or call 02392 222 968 to speak to Kieran Boyton-Salts who can tell you more.     INDREN