Principal Mechanical Engineer

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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