Associate Director Mechanical Engineering in Cambridge

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you a Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Are you ready to take up a vital role in some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative projects? Join AtkinsRéalis and take a leading role in shaping the future of our cities and environments.

We are looking for an energetic and experienced Associate Director Mechanical Engineer to join our team within the Design & Advanced Technology (D & AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis. You’ll be part of a talented, multi-disciplinary team delivering cutting edge, iconic projects to our Water market clients – clients such as Thames Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, as well as other regional water authorities. As a key member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects both domestically and internationally.

We’re committed to providing industry-leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client‑side and construction‑phase support. Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world‑class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration is not a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you with whatever you need. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position is based in our London, Epsom, Peterborough or Cambridge offices.

Your role will offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience, and problem‑solving skills whilst providing good opportunities for career development. As an Associate Director Mechanical Engineer in the D & AT practice, the successful candidate would have the following responsibilities:

• Lead a team of Mechanical engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant national and project specific design codes and standards, and to high‑quality levels in areas such as pumping systems and water & wastewater treatment design.
• Lead on the development of project design deliverables for mechanical aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Responsible for managing production, reviewing, and approving technical deliverables such as design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work.
• Provide technical leadership within the discipline for the regional and national D & AT practice and influence D & AT Practice wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal processes and services.
• Grow, develop, and manage the Mechanical Engineering capabilities within the regional and/or national practice.
• Work independently with guidance in only the most challenging situations.
• Exercise personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Advise client, operational, project, or service activities within project teams and wider D & AT Practice initiatives.
• Manage or collaborate on technical aspects of bid proposals.
• Work closely with a multi‑disciplinary team in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.

About you:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Mechanical Engineer.
• Proven experience in leading large‑scale Mechanical engineering design delivery for a design consultancy including within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions and challenges the status quo.
• The role requires comprehensive knowledge and proven practical experience in the design integration of a wide range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, blowers, screens, and chemical dosing systems.
• Additionally, it demands a thorough understanding of current UK design standards, relevant legislation, and established industry practices.
• Demonstrates exemplary communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices including a strong understanding of legislation such as CDM and DSEAR.
• Proficiency in applicable analytical software and related tools.
• Experience in the Water market is essential.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider AtkinsRéalis D & AT practice.
• Comfortable liaising with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.

Rewards & benefits:

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. We combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

About AtkinsRéalis:

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers, and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Additional information:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.