Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end mechanical design projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Respected building services consultancy in Manchester City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, hybrid working, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape your career in a supportive environment with prestigious projects.
- Qualifications: 10 years' experience in building services consultancy and CIBSE membership.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid progression towards Director level.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 55200 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Manchester City Centre
Salary: ÂŁ55,000-ÂŁ60,000 + Car Allowance
Benefits: 33 Days Holiday + 2-Week Paid Christmas Shutdown, Private Healthcare, Hybrid Working
Working Pattern: 3 Office Days / 2 WFH - Core Hours 10am-3pm
A respected and steadily growing Building Services consultancy in Manchester City Centre is looking for a Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer to join the team in early 2025. This is a rare opportunity to step into a role where you will lead projects, manage clients, and progress towards Director level in a business that values quality, trust, and long-term relationships.
You will work directly with the two Directors in a beautifully refurbished, collaborative city-centre office shared with around 20 technical and project staff. The company operates in a niche, ultra-high-end residential market, where briefs are extremely detailed and design variations are minimal - meaning you can focus on doing your best work.
They have just hired a Mechanical Engineer with strong site experience who has transitioned into design. Now, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer who can operate as a project lead.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Working on project values ranging from ÂŁ300K - ÂŁ1M MEP. Total build can be many tens of millions.
- Independently lead mechanical building services design projects, mainly in prime and super-prime residential and boutique hotel sectors.
- Work closely with architects, developers, and clients on projects with immaculate finishes and cutting-edge systems.
- Act as a confident, reliable, client-facing representative for the business.
- Conduct site visits in London once a week or once a fortnight, with little to no overnight stays.
- Take ownership of project delivery from concept to completion, working with minimal supervision.
- Mentor and support junior engineers within the team.
About You
- A strong Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer with around 10 years’ experience in building services consultancy.
- Mechanically biased but with a reasonable understanding of electrical and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Ideally experienced in high-end residential projects - but strong consultancy experience is the priority.
- CIBSE member (chartered or actively working towards chartership).
- A natural “doer” - someone who takes initiative, leads their own projects, and thrives in a client-facing environment.
- Driven, ambitious, and excited by the idea of progressing towards Director level in a growing business.
Why Join the team in Manchester?
- A genuinely supportive environment where detailed briefs mean less firefighting and fewer out-of-scope surprises.
- Client-first culture focusing on quality rather than volume.
- Opportunity to shape the team, mentor others, and steadily step into a leadership role.
- Hybrid working and excellent work-life balance.
- High-end projects you can be proud to put your name to.
If you’re looking for a role where you can take ownership, work on exceptional projects, and progress quickly, get in touch with Rob Jones at Calibre Search.
Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.
Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Calibre Search
Contact Detail:
Calibre Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss your past projects and how you've led teams. Be ready to demonstrate your client-facing abilities and how you can take ownership of projects from start to finish.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Understand their values and what they look for in a candidate. Tailor your approach to show how you align with their focus on quality and client-first culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team and taking on exciting high-end projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in building services consultancy and any high-end residential projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your client-facing experience and leadership aspirations.
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of projects you've led, especially those with immaculate finishes or cutting-edge systems. We love seeing how you've taken ownership from concept to completion, so don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calibre Search
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with your past projects, especially those in high-end residential or boutique hotel sectors. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll be expected to lead projects and mentor junior engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to take initiative and drive results.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the consultancy’s values and work culture. They focus on quality and client relationships, so be prepared to discuss how you align with these principles and how you can contribute to their supportive environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to project delivery and how they support professional development.