Principal Engineering Manager - New Build Delivery Lead

Principal Engineering Manager - New Build Delivery Lead Date: 2026-09-10T00:00:00 Location: Southampton, Hampshire, GB, SO14 7 Type: Any Closing Date: 2026-12-09T21:04:46.99 Role Overview 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 lifecycle 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. Programmes Nuclear material processing, manufacturing, storage and waste processing facilities Multi-material (Conventional) manufacturing, trials and test laboratories Explosive material manufacture and processing facilities Responsibilities You will be the focal leadership point and signpost for advice, information, and expertise about policy, best practice, knowledge, and relevant standards.

Additionally, you will: 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. Ideal Candidate Profile Experience across strategic programme delivery roles, such as systems engineering, manufacturing process technologies, critical infrastructure, building services, and the built environment, or a leadership role in new build projects, with responsibility for team development, project targets, and safety standards.

Experience with design coordination of mechanical, electrical, public health (MEP) building services, and technical assurance in large infrastructure upgrades and new build programmes. Knowledge of industrial building services and network design principles, both conventional and high hazard (e.g., Pharmaceutical, Chemical-Toxic, Nuclear, Explosive), with experience in coordinating security segregated zones during construction phases.

Extensive experience delivering engineering programmes (definition to handover) following frameworks like RIBA, BSRIA, in an Intelligent Customer capacity. Strong understanding of applicable legislation and standards related to safety within engineering (e.g., HSAWA, CDM). Aware of construction supply chain methodologies, including modern Design for Manufacture (DfM), construction standardisation, and digital design technologies such as digital twins.

Experience managing contractual frameworks such as NEC4 as the client, with excellent communication skills and stakeholder engagement at all levels. Proven ability to lead multi-discipline teams, resolve conflicts, drive performance, and foster collaboration to meet programme objectives. Qualifications Degree in engineering, civil engineering, construction management, or a relevant equivalent (STEM).

Fellow or Chartered status with a recognized professional body. Benefits 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday off, plus 270 hours of annual leave. Market-leading contributory pension scheme (9% to 13% of pensionable pay). Family-friendly policies including 39 weeks full pay maternity leave and 4 weeks full pay paternity leave. Professional development funding, including annual membership of relevant professional bodies.

Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Life Assurance (4 times annual salary). Discounts on various everyday spending. Paid leave for v