Mechanical Engineering Technical Author

Mechanical Engineering Technical Author

Locations: Bristol, Warrington or Warwick

Salary: 53,461 - £67,612

About the role

This role is advertised as Mechanical Engineering Technical Author to clearly reflect its engineering focus and professional scope. Internally, the position sits within our Non‑Routine Operations (NRO) function, which develops engineering solutions and documentation to support complex, non‑standard and safety‑critical work across the gas network.

The role is fully focused on the authoring of engineering and operational procedures. It is a predominantly office‑based position, involving detailed technical writing rather than site delivery. Site attendance is minimal and infrequent, undertaken only where necessary to support procedural development or to gain insight into specific operational contexts.

You will apply your mechanical engineering knowledge to interpret design intent, operational risks and control measures, translating them into clear, structured and compliant written procedures. These documents enable non‑routine work to be planned and executed safely where standard instructions do not exist.

The role is a key enabler within the NRO function, ensuring that complex operations are underpinned by high‑quality, technically robust documentation that meets regulatory, safety and governance expectations.

This position is well‑suited to an engineer who thrives on technical writing, analytical thinking and precision, and who wants to contribute their expertise without the requirement for regular site‑based duties.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development, review and approval of complex NROs, ensuring safe isolation and operational feasibility.
• Interpret SCO procedures to set accurate isolation boundaries and operational configurations.
• Act as Authorising Engineer or Job Owner when needed, applying independent engineering judgement.
• Carry out site surveys and technical assessments to validate proposed operational activities.
• Influence outage planning, sequencing and feasibility to minimise disruption.
• Contribute technical insight to HAZOP, HAZID, HAZCON and process safety activities.
• Identify improvement opportunities in procedures, risk controls and operational practices.
• Mentor NRO Officers and support wider engineering capability.

Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of high‑pressure gas transmission systems and isolation strategies.
• Deep knowledge of SCO procedures and experience overseeing complex operational activities.
• Solid grasp of engineering standards, legislation and asset behaviour.
• Extensive experience in engineering, operations or maintenance within gas transmission.
• Confident communicator able to influence and challenge constructively.
• Skilled in risk‑based decision‑making in high‑impact operational environments.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Strong engineering background relevant to high‑pressure gas systems

Desirable:

• Additional training in SCO, process safety or operational engineering.

What we offer

• Annual bonus of up to 6% based on personal and company performance
• 26 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays - option available to buy extra holiday days
• Generous double-match pension scheme - for every £1 you put in, we'll add £2 (max company contribution 12%)
• An optional flexible benefit scheme, including private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans, travel insurance
• Death in service 10x your basic salary
• Financial protection if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury
• Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave
• Professional development and career progression
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day
• Financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, relevant to your role

Inclusive recruitment

At National Gas, we are disability confident and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need.

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