Lead Mechanical Engineer
Permanent, Full Time
Hours: Mon – Fri | 40 hours (8am-5pm) + 1 in 4 week On-Call + Overtime
Location: MOD Whitehall, London
We’re recruiting a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our building maintenance team dedicated to the Ministry of Defence estate in Whitehall.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of mechanical services across a complex government building, including legacy infrastructure, critical systems, and compliance-heavy assets. The environment requires an engineer who can confidently manage and improve older plant while maintaining reliability. You’ll act as the lead mechanical authority on-site, balancing day-to-day maintenance with project delivery in a zero-failure environment. Key systems include: HVAC & environmental systems (AHUs, chillers, pressurisation), Water systems (including hygiene & compliance), Heating & energy systems, Fuel storage and associated plant and a mix of modern and legacy mechanical infrastructure.
Ex-military engineers are highly desirable due to transferable experience: Royal Navy | British Army | Royal Marines
Key Responsibilities
- Take technical lead on all mechanical projects across the estate
- Deliver Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive works on critical plant
- Manage and improve performance of legacy mechanical assets
- Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and contractual requirements
- Provide hands-on fault finding, troubleshooting, and technical support
- Oversee contractors and specialist service providers for project and maintenance works
- Prepare technical scope, recommendations, and quotations for remedial or project works
- Maintain high standards of safety, documentation, and reporting
What We’re Looking For
- Strong mechanical background in building services / FM
- Experience working with older/legacy plant and infrastructure
- Experience in critical environments (defence, healthcare, data centres, etc.)
- Hands-on knowledge of HVAC, water systems, pumps, valves, pipework
- Strong understanding of compliance and safe systems of work
Security Requirements:
Candidates must be sole UK nationals eligible for DV clearance; they may start after SC clearance but will be shadowed on-site for around six months until DV is granted.
Interested? Apply now to take the lead on critical mechanical projects at MOD Whitehall.
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