At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical projects, mentor engineers, and engage with clients in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Respected building services consultancy known for quality and stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical cover, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Join a trusted team where your skills shape the future of engineering.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership with strong project management experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a supportive and innovative workplace.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
My client, a long-established and highly respected building services consultancy, is looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Engineer into their Property Services team in Birmingham. This is a senior, trusted role with real autonomy. The successful Principal Mechanical Engineer will sit at the intersection of technical delivery, client engagement, and team leadership not just producing designs, but shaping how work is delivered and how the team grows.
My client has been delivering high-quality MEP engineering solutions for decades and has built an enviable reputation through repeat business, technical credibility, and long-term client relationships. They focus on doing what they are good at properly. No over-stretching, no race-to-the-bottom delivery. Big enough to offer stability, project variety, and career progression; small enough that individuals are recognised and trusted. Retention is strong.
As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in both delivery and development within the Property Services group. You will support regional leadership, lead mechanical workstreams, and take ownership of projects, clients, and people. This is a hands-on Principal role, leadership by capability, not job title. A principle level engineer operating at Associate level, and Chartered or working towards Chartership, will be fully considered.
Key Responsibilities- Technical Leadership & Delivery
- Lead mechanical delivery across a varied Property Services portfolio
- Deliver projects up to circa £3m in value
- Manage technical quality, compliance, and commercial risk
- Provide senior technical support to internal teams and external stakeholders
- Mentor and develop engineers, supporting succession planning
- Act as a trusted technical advisor to end users, landlords, managing agents, and project managers
- Contribute to work winning and repeat business
- Build and maintain long-term client relationships
The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work across three core service areas:
- Technical Due Diligence
- Condition and pre-acquisition surveys
- Dilapidations
- Licences to Alter
- Associated technical reporting
- Boiler and chiller replacement schemes
- Feasibility studies and surveys
- Mechanical design
- Construction site duties, contract administration and project management
- Quarterly building inspections
- Planned preventative maintenance strategies
- Asset registers
- Fault finding and troubleshooting
- Energy optimisation and EPCs
Projects span commercial, residential, retail, education, healthcare, defence, heritage, industrial and technology sectors, predominantly UK-based.
What My Client Is Looking ForEssential- Strong mechanical building services background
- Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership
- Proven experience managing projects and mitigating risk
- Sound knowledge of UK regulations and design standards
- Ability to lead, influence, and develop engineering teams
- Revit
- IES
- Microsoft Office
- Clear, confident communicator
- Organised, structured, and deadline-driven
- Commercially aware
- Credible in front of clients and comfortable in a leadership role
- Private medical cover
- Life assurance and income protection
- Car allowance / lease car scheme
- 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)
- Contributory pension
- Paid professional memberships
- Flexitime
- 9-day fortnight
- Hybrid / flexible working
- Holiday buy & sell
- Study assistance
- Cycle to work
- Share purchase scheme
- Gym, retail, travel and insurance discounts
This is a genuine opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer or a strong Associate ready to step into that space to join a consultancy that values proper engineering, trusts its people, and rewards capability rather than box-ticking. If you want responsibility, variety, and progression without corporate theatre, my client will appeal.
Principle/Associate Mechanical Engineer employer: 5S Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
5S Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle/Associate Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Mechanical Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to mechanical engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times when you’ve led projects or mentored others. This is key for a Principal role, and we want to see how you can influence and develop teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle/Associate Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your technical leadership, project management experience, and any relevant qualifications like Chartership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the Property Services scope outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with tools like Revit and IES. These are key in the mechanical engineering field, so make sure we see them front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5S Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll need to showcase your strong mechanical building services background. Brush up on UK regulations and design standards relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed and how you mitigated risks.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading teams and influencing others. Prepare examples of how you've mentored engineers or led project workstreams. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and confidently, especially in front of clients.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the consultancy's values and approach to engineering. They focus on quality over quantity, so be prepared to discuss how you align with this philosophy. Mention your commitment to building long-term client relationships and delivering high-quality MEP solutions.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to project management or how they support professional development for their engineers. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset.