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.