At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design projects from concept to delivery, ensuring technical excellence.
- Company: Established consultancy known for innovative building services and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, pension, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and technical depth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in mechanical design and strong understanding of RIBA stages.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 € per year.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire (office-based with hybrid after probation)
Salary: up to £75,000 depending on experience
Type: Permanent, full-time
The Opportunity
Our client is an established, multidisciplinary building services consultancy based in Hertfordshire. Founded over two decades ago, they have built a strong reputation as M&E Consulting Engineers and Low Carbon Consultants, delivering technically excellent design solutions for architects, contractors, and end clients across commercial offices, education, healthcare, data centres, and historic buildings. This is a Principal-level appointment into a tight, growing team that values technical depth, collaborative problem-solving, and proper engineering discipline.
Key Responsibilities
- Take principal-level technical responsibility for mechanical design on live projects across RIBA Stages 1 to 4, from inception through to detail design.
- Own and deliver full mechanical design packages, including HVAC, public health, plantroom layouts, load calculations, specifications, and schedules.
- Develop low-carbon and energy-efficient mechanical strategies aligned with current Building Regulations, CIBSE guidance, and British Standards.
- Lead client engagement on assigned projects, presenting design rationale and managing expectations from concept through to delivery.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs with architects, electrical engineers, structural engineers, and contractors.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to senior, intermediate, and junior mechanical engineers within the team.
- Review and sign off design output, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance, and consistency across the consultancy.
- Contribute to fee proposals, project programming, resource planning, and business development activity.
- Carry out site inspections, condition surveys, and commissioning support as required.
- Uphold and shape the consultancy's reputation for technical excellence and sustainability-led design.
About You
- Significant experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer within a UK building services consultancy environment, with a track record at Senior or Principal level.
- Strong, demonstrable understanding of RIBA Stages 1 to 4, with particular depth in detail design (Stage 4).
- Confident producing fully coordinated mechanical designs across HVAC, public health, ventilation, heating, cooling, and plantroom systems.
- Working knowledge of energy modelling tools (IES VE or similar) and design software (AutoCAD, Revit MEP).
- Proven ability to lead client relationships, present design solutions, and manage commercial expectations.
- Experience mentoring and technically supporting junior and intermediate engineers.
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of fee management, project programmes, and resource planning.
- Chartered or working towards chartership (CEng, MCIBSE) is desirable.
- UK right to work.
- Local to Hertfordshire or within a sensible commute.
You will thrive in this role if you want technical leadership, ownership of your projects, visibility on your work, and the chance to shape the direction of a growing consultancy that genuinely cares about engineering quality and sustainability.
Package
- £75,000 basic salary depending on experience.
- Hybrid working available after successful completion of probation.
- Pension and benefits package.
- Clear progression path within a growing consultancy.
- Active CPD culture and full support towards chartership.
- Mentoring and leadership development as part of the role.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer employer: BSV Recruitment Ltd
Join a well-established multidisciplinary building services consultancy in Hertford, where you will be part of a tight-knit team that values technical excellence and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers clear progression paths, active CPD culture, and mentoring opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those looking to take on technical leadership roles while contributing to sustainable design solutions. Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options after probation, and the chance to shape the future of engineering within a supportive and innovative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your technical skills and past projects. Bring along a portfolio or have some case studies ready to discuss. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in your previous roles!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show your interest.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RIBA stages and full mechanical design packages, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your technical leadership and mentoring skills. We want to see how you've contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, be clear and concise about why you're a great fit for the role. Use language that matches our job description to show us you’re on the same page.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at BSV Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your RIBA Stages
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the RIBA stages, especially stages 1 to 4. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in your previous projects, showcasing your ability to take full design responsibility.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Bring examples of your mechanical design work, particularly in HVAC and public health systems. Discuss specific projects where you led the design process, highlighting your use of tools like AutoCAD or Revit MEP to create coordinated designs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring
Be ready to talk about your experience mentoring junior engineers and leading project teams. Share specific instances where you provided technical guidance and how it positively impacted project outcomes.
✨Engage with Client Relationships
Prepare to discuss your approach to client engagement. Think of examples where you successfully managed client expectations and presented design solutions, as this will show your ability to lead client relationships effectively.
