We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in delivering multidisciplinary engineering design across the water sector.
This is a senior position suited to a mechanically biased Chartered Engineer who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to lead design solutions, guide engineers and influence project outcomes.
You will play a key role in ensuring mechanical designs are safe, efficient, fully integrated and delivered to a high standard, while supporting the development of the wider engineering team.
The Role
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across projects, taking ownership of mechanical design delivery and supporting multidisciplinary coordination.
- Leading the development of practical, efficient and buildable mechanical design solutions
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, calculations, reports and specifications
- Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions
- Acting as Design Lead on projects where required, ensuring coordination across disciplines
- Directing and mentoring engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Preparing scopes for, and reviewing outputs from, subcontract M&E design teams
- Liaising with equipment suppliers and manufacturers to support design development
- Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance and client requirements
- Managing and recording design changes within project documentation
- Supporting resource planning and estimating design effort
- Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings and technical discussions
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
About You
We are looking for a highly capable mechanical engineer with strong experience in the water sector and a track record of delivering robust engineering solutions.
It’s essential that you have:
- Extensive mechanical design experience within the water industry (typically 8–12+ years)
- Strong experience in hydraulic design
- Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Ability to lead design delivery and support junior engineers
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
It’s desirable that you:
- Experience with electrical and control systems
- Experience across clean water and wastewater projects
- Awareness of construction methods and materials
- Knowledge of engineering drawing practices.
Why Join Us?
We are a growing engineering consultancy where experienced engineers have real influence over projects, technical standards and team development.
In this role, you will:
- Take ownership of complex mechanical design solutions
- Play a key role in mentoring and developing engineers
- Influence technical standards and engineering approaches
- Work on a range of challenging water sector projects
Our Manchester office offers free parking, excellent transport links and access to a fully equipped gym with changing facilities, alongside a collaborative and supportive environment.
We also offer:
- 23 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing with service
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Chartership mentoring and support
- Regular CPD sessions and industry-led learning
- Monthly team brunches and quarterly socials
- Cycle to Work scheme and free fruit in the office
We are primarily office‑based but offer flexible hybrid working arrangements.
Contract positions may be outside IR35.
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