Senior / Principal Mechanical Design EngineerLocation: Oxford | Sectors: Low Carbon, Heritage, Education, HealthcareEmployment Type: Full-TimeOverviewWe are seeking a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a well-established, independent building services consultancy in Oxford. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to lead mechanical design projects, influence sustainable strategies, and mentor junior engineers across heritage, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
The Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will work on technically complex, low-carbon projects, delivering HVAC, hot/cold water, and energy-efficient solutions from RIBA Stage 2 through to handover.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead mechanical design of building services systems, including HVAC, hot/cold water, and sustainable strategies
2. Oversee production of technical documentation, drawings (AutoCAD/Revit), and specifications
3. Collaborate with clients, architects, and internal teams to deliver energy-efficient and technically robust solutions
4. Apply building physics and performance analysis where relevant to inform design decisions
5. Attend site visits, manage design coordination, and support construction activities
6. Mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and technical growth
7. At Principal level: influence fee proposals, resourcing, and client development
8. Ensure compliance with UK regulations, CIBSE standards, and low-carbon design principles
Candidate Profile
9. Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services
10. 6+ years of consultancy experience delivering mechanical building services design
11. Strong experience across education, healthcare, commercial, or heritage projects
12. Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, IES, Hevacomp, or similar design software
13. Excellent communication, coordination, and project management skills
14. Chartered (CEng/MCIBSE) or working toward chartership preferred
15. Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to sustainable, high-quality design
Why Join Us
16. Competitive salary: £55,000–£70,000 (DOE)
17. Flexible/hybrid working, 25+ days holiday, private healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme
18. Exposure to varied, high-profile projects including listed buildings and modern low-energy campuses
19. Support for professional growth: chartership, leadership development, and career progression to Associate and beyond
20. Collaborative team culture with low staff turnover and a focus on technical excellence
This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead impactful, sustainable projects. Join us as a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer and shape low-carbon, heritage-focused solutions while advancing your career in a supportive, technically driven environment.