Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds

Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design for innovative water and utility projects, ensuring quality and collaboration.
  • Company: Join Ayesa Engineering, a global consultancy with a strong reputation in diverse engineering sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth and recognition for your contributions.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on local communities while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years experience in water or utilities projects.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Ayesa Engineering is a global consultancy with more than 3,200 employees. Its UK & Ireland business combines the strength and resources of an international organisation with the agility and autonomy typically associated with an SME. Operating in 16 countries across 40 disciplines, Ayesa Engineering generates annual revenues of approximately €312 million and has established a strong international reputation across a broad range of engineering sectors.

The UK & Ireland teams deliver technically complex and varied projects that enable professionals to develop broad expertise rather than being confined to highly specialised roles. This provides the opportunity to make a meaningful local impact while benefiting from the stability, technical knowledge, and career development opportunities of a well‑established global consultancy.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Lead mechanical design and delivery for water, wastewater, sewage and utility infrastructure projects
  • Oversee design management, quality reviews, and integration with civil, electrical, and process disciplines
  • Prepare technical specifications, mechanical schedules, and tender documentation
  • Assist in appointment of specialist contractors and management of the specialist contractors team contracts to cost, time, quality & safety requirements
  • Collaboratively work with the design team, project management team, construction team and supply chain and provide mechanical installation expertise
  • Ensure all relevant standards, regulations and codes of practice are adhered to throughout the project life cycle
  • Manage the creation of the mechanical installation and procurement strategy to ensure all members of the team are aware of their responsibilities
  • Monitor and report on all progress on a weekly and monthly basis, including taking action to maintain delivery to time, cost, quality and safety requirements
  • Lead buildability, risk, opportunity and value engineering reviews
  • Develop new ways of working, reduce carbon, increase biodiversity, address climate change, and embrace innovations and new digital technologies

What You Bring:

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
  • Chartered Engineer (IMechE or equivalent) or working towards chartership
  • 5+ years’ experience delivering mechanical designs for water, wastewater, or utilities projects
  • Demonstrate level of competence in mechanical and instrumentation design in the water / wastewater industry environment
  • A good understanding of modular build construction processes and procedures and experience of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) systems
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary design delivery within D&B or consultancy environments
  • Strong understanding of UK design standards, WIMES, codes, and CDM regulations

Skills & Strengths:

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Strong knowledge of pump systems, mechanical equipment selection, and plant design
  • Ability to manage budgets, resourcing, and client expectations
  • Experience with BIM and digital design platforms (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD Plant 3D)
  • Collaborative approach to problem solving and design delivery
  • Experience with major UK water utilities or regulated frameworks
  • Knowledge of sustainable design techniques and low‑carbon technologies
  • Experience supporting bids and business development activities

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry
  • Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid working, allowing you to achieve a better work‑life balance
  • Employer Pension Match Scheme: We offer a pension match scheme to help you secure your financial future
  • Income Protection: Receive support in safeguarding your income in the event of illness or injury
  • Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind with life assurance coverage
  • Training and Development Programme: Access a range of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career
  • Family & Well-Being Support: Benefit from our Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits and our confidential support services to address personal or professional challenges, included in our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Sports and Social: Engage in our vibrant sports and social activities to foster a sense of community and well‑being among our team members
  • Increased Annual Leave: 25 days’ annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, enjoy increased annual leave entitlements based on years of service
  • Recognition Awards: Receive recognition for your contributions through our awards program, celebrating achievements and excellence

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds employer: Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland

Ayesa Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead impactful projects in the water and wastewater sectors while enjoying the benefits of a global consultancy. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced maternity and paternity support, Ayesa fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

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Contact Details:

Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland.

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds

Mechanical Design
Water and Wastewater Engineering
Design Management
Technical Specifications Preparation
Project Management
Quality Assurance
Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) Systems

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland and the Principal Mechanical 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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland.

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland.

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 Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland, making you a more appealing candidate.