Role Purpose
The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will provide technical leadership for the design and delivery of mechanical systems within water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for ensuring designs meet client requirements, industry standards, performance objectives, and regulatory compliance while guiding multidisciplinary teams through all project stages from feasibility to detailed design and construction support.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the mechanical design of water and wastewater treatment assets, including pumping stations, pipelines, treatment plant mechanical equipment, screens, filters, chemical dosing, and sludge-handling systems.
* Produce and review design deliverables such as P&IDs, specifications, GA drawings, equipment schedules, design calculations, and asset standards.
* Develop concept, outline, and detailed designs with a strong emphasis on whole-life cost, reliability, and environmental performance.
* Approve mechanical design documentation and ensure technical quality across project teams.
* Act as the mechanical technical lead on multi-disciplinary projects, coordinating with process, civil, electrical, and ICA engineers.
* Manage and review design inputs for feasibility studies, optioneering, and value-engineering exercises.
* Support procurement by preparing technical specifications and evaluating supplier proposals.
* Provide site support during installation, commissioning, and testing phases as required.
* Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers, promoting best practices and innovation.
* Lead design meetings, HAZOPs, design reviews, and client workshops.
* Ensure designs comply with CDM regulations, health & safety requirements, company standards, and water industry legislation.
Skills & Experience Required
* Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.
* Significant experience in mechanical design within the water or wastewater sector (utilities, frameworks, EPC, or consultancy).
* Strong technical knowledge of mechanical process equipment used in UK water/wastewater treatment infrastructure.
* Proven capability in leading multi-disciplinary project teams.
* Proficiency with relevant tools (AutoCAD, Solidworks).
* Excellent understanding of UK water industry standards (WIMES, BS EN standards, Water Company asset standards).
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Experience
* Experience with AMP capital delivery frameworks.
* Experience in digital engineering, model-based design, or advanced simulation.
* Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and low-carbon design principles.
* Supplier engagement and supply-chain integration experience.
Personal Attributes
* Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
* Proactive, innovative, and solutions-oriented.
* Able to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
* Excellent client-facing and stakeholder-management abilities.
Typical Deliverables
* Mechanical design reports, technical notes, and option studies.
* P&IDs, layout drawings, equipment sizing and selection calculations.
* Technical specifications and tender documentation.
* Review of vendor drawings and submittals.
* Risk assessments, HAZOP input, and design review documentation.
Benefits
* Career development – support to grow skill set and progress career.
* Cultivate – access to idea and innovation platform.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Discounts – access to leisure and shopping discounts and rewards platform.
* Employee networks – opportunity to join organisation-wide employee networks.
* Health and Wellbeing Support – virtual GP, mental health support, fitness and nutrition, financial and legal advice.
* Health Cash Plan.
* Holiday purchase scheme.
* Payroll Giving – donate regularly from gross pay to support charities.
* Pension – eligibility to join pension scheme with contributions.
* Personal Support Network – dedicated buddy and mentor, early careers community.
* Reward and Award Schemes – long service awards and above and beyond rewards.
* Social Value – support social impact activities each year.
Seniority Level
Not Applicable
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Other
Industries
Construction
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