Dismantling Engineer CV Guide: Expert Examples and Strategies
Also known as: decommissioning engineer, disassembly planner, asset recovery engineer, dismantling project manager
Dismantling engineers serve as the primary architects for the end-of-life phase of industrial assets. Your role combines structural engineering, waste management, and heavy-duty logistics to safely and efficiently deconstruct everything from chemical plants to power stations. A powerful Dismantling Engineer CV must showcase your ability to mitigate risks while maximising the recovery value of materials.
This guide provides the tools to build a CV that highlights your specialised planning skills and your track record of supervising complex hazardous operations. By focusing on your technical expertise and environmental compliance record, you can position yourself as a top-tier candidate in this high-stakes field.
What does a Dismantling Engineer do?
A Dismantling Engineer researches and creates detailed plans for the systematic deconstruction of industrial equipment, machinery, and buildings. Unlike demolition, which focuses on destruction, dismantling requires a surgical approach to preserve components for reuse or recycling. You analyse structural integrity, identify hazardous materials like asbestos or lead, and determine the sequence of operations to ensure worker safety and environmental protection.
Beyond the planning phase, you are responsible for the logistical coordination of heavy machinery, specialised cutting tools, and disposal teams. You translate complex engineering blueprints into actionable instructions for site foremen and monitor progress to ensure every phase aligns with the projected schedule and budget.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Conducting structural surveys and site assessments to determine the safest dismantling sequence.
- ➜ Developing comprehensive health and safety plans specifically for deconstruction environments.
- ➜ Estimating project costs and resource requirements for asset recovery and site clearance.
- ➜ Liaising with environmental regulatory bodies like the Environment Agency to ensure proper hazardous waste disposal.
- ➜ Managing the inventory of salvaged equipment and materials to maximise stakeholder ROI.
- ➜ Providing on-site supervision and technical guidance to multi-disciplinary decommissioning crews.
How to write a Dismantling Engineer CV
Your CV should emphasise precision and safety. Recruiters in this sector look for candidates who can demonstrate a systematic approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of structural mechanics. Use data-driven results to prove your efficiency and safety record.
01 CV Structure
Organise your CV with a clear header, a punchy professional summary, a detailed work history section, a technical skills list, and your educational background. Given the high-risk nature of the work, certifications such as NEBOSH or Hazmat handling should be prominently displayed.
02 Professional Summary
Write a professional summary that highlights your years of experience, a specific type of facility you specialise in (e.g. nuclear, manufacturing, oil and gas), and a major accomplishment regarding safety or cost savings.
Example Summary
Senior Dismantling Engineer with over 12 years of experience planning the deconstruction of large-scale industrial facilities. Proven track record of reducing project timelines by 15% through optimised sequencing while maintaining a zero-incident safety record. Expert in hazardous material remediation and asset recovery strategies for FTSE 100 manufacturing clients.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Orchestrated the £3.5M dismantling of a decommissioned power station 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
- ➜ Increased material salvage value by 22% through the implementation of a proprietary sorting protocol.
- ➜ Authored a safety manual for high-elevation deconstruction that reduced site accidents by 40% over two years.
- ➜ Managed a 50-person cross-functional team across three simultaneous industrial decommissioning sites.
Experience Guidelines
Focus on the scale and complexity of your projects. Instead of listing duties, describe the specific challenges you overcame and the positive outcomes you achieved for the client or employer.
Education Guidelines
List your highest degree first. A degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering is typically preferred. Include any specialised postgraduate coursework in environmental management or sustainable construction.
Key skills for a Dismantling Engineer
Engineering & Technical
Management & Compliance
Dismantling Engineer CV example
The following example showcases a senior-level professional with a background in structural engineering and extensive field experience.
Notes for adapting this example:
Tailor this example by replacing the specific facility types with those you have personally worked on, whether that is residential, commercial, or industrial.
Top tips for a standout CV
Quantify your safety records by mentioning your total man-hours without an incident (LTI-free).
Mention specific specialised tools or software you use, such as deconstruction simulation tools.
Highlight your knowledge of BREEAM standards and how your dismantling plans contribute to circular economy goals.
Clearly state your experience with different materials, such as reinforced concrete, structural steel, or timber.
Common mistakes to avoid
Failing to differentiate between demolition and dismantling, which suggests a lack of precision to technical recruiters.
Omitting specific safety metrics or LTI records that employers use to gauge site risk.
Focusing only on the physical work while ignoring the regulatory, permitting, and environmental planning aspect.
Not mentioning the value of recovered assets, which is a key performance indicator for project stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dismantling Engineer in the UK?
The average salary for a Dismantling Engineer typically ranges from £55,000 to £95,000 per year, depending on the region and level of seniority. Lead engineers on major infrastructure decommissions or nuclear sites often earn significantly more. (Source: Estimated market data)
Which certifications are most important for this role?
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is highly valued for signing off on complex plans. Additionally, NEBOSH or IOSH certifications and specific hazardous material removals (e.g. ARCA for asbestos) are standard requirements for UK sites.
Is structural engineering experience necessary?
Yes, a strong foundation in structural engineering is required to understand how a building or plant will behave as key structural members are removed, ensuring the safety of the dismantling crew.
Vitae.
Build a Dismantling Engineer CV that gets callbacks
Use the guide for structure, then tailor your CV per job so recruiters see relevance fast.
Start freeLast updated: 12/21/2025