Senior Mechanical Engineer - MRO - Aviation in Cardiff

Joining Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Are you passionate about creating a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future for air travel? We’re inviting expressions of interest from aviation professionals across the UK to be part of our dynamic and growing team. At Arup, our Aviation business is entering an exciting phase of expansion. We’re delivering a diverse portfolio of high-impact projects, from airport planning and terminal design to cutting‑edge consultancy and technical services that support resilient, sustainable operations. As a global leader in aviation infrastructure, we work at the intersection of growth and sustainability, helping airports adapt, decarbonise, improve efficiency, and enhance the passenger journey.

Why join us?

• Impactful Work: Help airports adapt, decarbonise, and enhance the passenger experience.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a team that values equity, respect, and belonging.
• Flexible Working: Offices across the UK with hybrid working options to support work‑life balance.
• Global Reach, Local Impact: Collaborate with experts across disciplines and geographies.

The Opportunity

Working with the Aviation Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) design team, you will be involved in the production and delivery of building services and aircraft systems for technically challenging maintenance facilities.

In This Role You Will

• Lead mechanical design and coordination for aviation and MRO facility projects.
• Manage projects across all stages: feasibility, concept, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Interface directly with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide and review technical documentation, specifications, and drawings.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Support business development through technical input and client engagement.
• Have a strong understanding of aviation‑specific mechanical systems, including mass air start systems, aircraft fuel venting infrastructure, aircraft hydraulic systems, compressed air systems and other specialist gases.
• Have familiarity with relevant codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Have familiarity with fire suppression systems typically provided to MRO facilities.
• Apply engineering expertise to shape our projects, moving them towards net zero carbon.
• Work in an interdisciplinary environment and aim to design buildings that maximise value for our clients whilst minimising environmental impact.
• Provide leadership to the MEP team on a portfolio of projects locally, nationally and internationally, ensuring correct technical approaches are applied consistently.
• Be expected to have project management skills and remit for the financial performance of the projects, including liaising directly with clients on fees and commercial matters.
• Effectively oversee total project delivery by enabling effective team management and delegation to ensure efficient and satisfactory delivery of multiple and complex projects, reporting to the Project Manager / Director.
• Play a part in the ongoing digital transformation of our business, seeking new ways to increase efficiency through automation and to offer new services to our clients through our integrated digital approach to design.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We’re Looking For a Candidate Who

• Is degree qualified in Mechanical / Building Services Engineering.
• Holds Chartered Engineer status via an appropriate professional institution such as IMechE or CIBSE.
• Has demonstrable experience working in the Aviation sector; MRO facility design in particular.
• Has extensive experience of winning and delivering a range of projects.
• Has the ability to provide technical leadership of multi-disciplinary design teams including external sub-consultants.
• Has strong awareness of appropriate sector-specific legislation, regulatory requirements and design guidance and future trends.
• Has knowledge and interest in sustainable building design in terms of both energy and carbon and satisfying associated regulatory requirements.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact rebecca.davies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/arup-careers-uk-application-process. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process. All applications will be considered, and we will make every effort to respond within 72 hours of receipt. Please note that response times may be subject to delays during the festive period.