At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for innovative water and wastewater treatment projects.
- Company: AFECO, a dynamic engineering services provider focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team dedicated to innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water sector with cutting-edge technology and solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in water or wastewater sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence. We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment.
We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations.
Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology. From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex.
About us: AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent in-house engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions. We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.
Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation.
Role Purpose: The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the mechanical design of water and wastewater treatment assets across the project lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to construction support and commissioning. The role requires strong technical capability, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design activities for water and wastewater treatment projects, including pumping stations, treatment works, pipelines, and associated infrastructure.
- Produce and review mechanical designs, calculations, specifications, schedules, and drawings.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, legislation, client specifications, and health & safety requirements.
- Undertake optioneering and value engineering to balance cost, performance, risk, and operability.
- Support constructability, commissioning, and handover activities.
Equipment & Systems
- Specify, size, and select mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, screens, blowers, mixers, and mechanical treatment processes.
- Review supplier technical submissions and manage technical interfaces with vendors.
- Assess whole-life cost, reliability, and maintainability of mechanical systems.
Project & Stakeholder Interface
- Work closely with process, civil, electrical, and ICA engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
- Liaise with clients, contractors, suppliers, and operations teams.
- Provide technical input during design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP, and risk workshops.
Mentorship & Quality
- Mentor and technically support graduate and intermediate engineers.
- Review and approve work produced by others.
- Contribute to the development of internal standards, best practices, and lessons learned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Essential: Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Significant experience in the water or wastewater sector.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment used in water treatment and conveyance.
- Experience delivering designs through concept, detailed design, and construction stages.
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g. ISO, BS, EN, WIMES, client standards).
Desirable
- Experience working on regulated water frameworks.
- Site experience including commissioning or construction support.
- Knowledge of asset management and whole-life cost analysis.
- Experience with NEC or other engineering contracts.
Technical Skills
- Mechanical design and specification.
- Pumping system design and hydraulics (desirable).
- Design risk assessment and CDM compliance.
- 2D/3D CAD tools (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
- Engineering calculations and reports.
Salary and benefits: Medicash plan, Life insurance, Benefits portal, Company pension, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays).
At AFECO, we value our employees and encourage and support them to develop themselves and their career through training and progression. We offer the opportunity to work on a range of project types and sizes in the water sector including our own internally developed products and solutions. We are a privately owned business with a friendly and open culture and are dedicated to creating and maintaining a workforce that is highly skilled and motivated. As a company, we are committed to equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, sex, disability or age.
Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Havant employer: AF ECO
AFECO is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that enhance sustainability in the water sector. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from mentorship, training, and a supportive environment that encourages growth. Located in Havant or Tamworth, AFECO offers competitive benefits, including a company pension, generous holiday allowance, and a focus on work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate engineers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Havant
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like AF ECO.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like AF ECO love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of AF ECO and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for AF ECO and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at AF ECO
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at AF ECO.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at AF ECO.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with AF ECO, making you a more appealing candidate.
