Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) in Exeter

Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop innovative water infrastructure projects with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering firm transforming infrastructure and energy systems.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of water services while working on iconic projects that matter.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in multidisciplinary project delivery.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Overview

Apply Your Expertise Across One of the Industry's Most Significant Water Portfolios. At AtkinsRéalis, our Design & Advanced Technology practice brings together some of the UK's most diverse engineering and design expertise to tackle the most complex challenges facing our clients, communities, and the environment.

We are looking for an Associate or Associate Director Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Water team delivering a diverse portfolio of projects for UK water companies, local authorities, and environmental organisations. Join us at a pivotal moment for the UK water industry. AMP8 represents a step change in investment, creating opportunities to work on some of the most significant infrastructure programmes in a generation, including strategic reservoir developments, water resource schemes, treatment works upgrades, and major resilience projects that will help secure water supplies for decades to come.

This is an opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most cutting-edge, iconic projects for leading water companies. Alongside these flagship projects, you’ll contribute to major engineering programmes across the UK and internationally. We’re committed to providing industry-leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client-side and construction-phase support.

When you join us, you'll become part of a collaborative community of experts who challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of engineering excellence.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Working on some of the UK's most complex and high-profile projects.
  • Contributing to nationally significant infrastructure programmes.
  • Shaping the future of water services for generations to come.
  • A culture that encourages innovation, technical excellence and professional growth.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance.
  • Structured career development and opportunities to propel your career into technical or leadership pathways.

Your role

As an Associate or Associate Director Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in the delivery of significant water infrastructure projects while supporting the growth and development of the Mechanical Engineering and Water teams.

You will:

  • Lead and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers, delivering high-quality technical solutions for complex water and wastewater projects.
  • Provide technical leadership across the regional and national D&AT practice, driving best practice, capability growth, and continuous improvement.
  • Build, lead, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across AtkinsRéalis, clients, and partners to deliver integrated solutions and maximise project value.
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships, supporting business development, framework growth, and work-winning activities, including bid and proposal opportunities.
  • Collaborate with UK and international teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and commercially successful project outcomes.
  • Play an active role in strengthening AtkinsRéalis' technical community, sharing knowledge and supporting practice development initiatives.

About you

We're seeking technically strong, commercially aware engineers who enjoy collaborative working and take a proactive approach to solving complex challenges. You will be confident leading multidisciplinary teams, developing client relationships, and delivering high-quality solutions while supporting and mentoring less experienced engineers.

You’ll ideally bring:

  • A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Chartered Mechanical Engineer with an accredited UK institution OR extensive industry experience with a proven track record of delivering value.
  • Proven experience leading the technical delivery of multidisciplinary projects within the UK water sector.
  • Extensive knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, including the design and integration of mechanical equipment, pumping systems, sludge handling systems, and chemical dosing infrastructure.
  • Experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineers and technical teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a collaborative approach to problem solving.
  • A commitment to innovation, sustainability and technical excellence.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. 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. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life. Flexible working is a central part of our culture. So talk to us about what's ideal for you – full time, part time or buying more leave to cover school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

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.

Find out more.

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.

Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) in Exeter employer: AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the Secure Government division. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, all while contributing to impactful infrastructure transformation projects in the UK. With a focus on autonomy and client engagement, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.

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Contact Details:

AtkinsRéalis Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) in Exeter

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) role you’re after at AtkinsRéalis.

✨Show Off Your Projects!

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✨Engage with Online Communities

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✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) at AtkinsRéalis, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ) in Exeter

Mechanical Engineering
Project Management
Team Leadership
Client Relationship Management
Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes
Technical Problem Solving
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate/Associate Director Mechanical Engineer( National ), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AtkinsRéalis a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AtkinsRéalis specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with AtkinsRéalis, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like AtkinsRéalis want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.