At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in designing innovative water systems using advanced CAD technology.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in engineering and design for the water sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the UK's water sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and proficiency in CAD software like Revit.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Due to an increased engineering and design workload in the water sector to support AMP8 for multiple clients including United Utilities, Severn Trent, Thames Water, Southern Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water, Costain are seeking a Principal Mechanical / Piping Designer – Water to join our multi-discipline Engineering & Design Services Team based at Aviator Way, Manchester. This position typically involves working 3 days a week with a blended approach to flexible and home working to support wellbeing.
We are seeking candidates with experience within the water sector. This is a great opportunity to establish or develop a career in a technically challenging and highly rewarding growing sector which will support the UK’s water sector.
As Principal Mechanical/Piping Designer, you will be leading a team of designers, responsible for all aspects of plant layout and piping design within our water sector, using the very latest CAD and digital technology. Your responsibilities will include:
- Producing 3D models and detailed general arrangement drawings (GAs) using Revit.
- Developing layouts from first principles of wet and dry well pumping stations, concrete pump chambers, ductile iron and epoxy coated carbon steel pipework, and similar systems within the waste water industry.
- Coordinating and integrating vendor equipment packages into the design.
- Layout and model access platforms, stairs, handrails, and maintenance accessways in compliance with Client and Industry standards.
- Contributing to design reviews, including Access, Lifting and Maintenance reviews (ALMs).
- Collaborating with civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines to ensure coordinated and clash-free models.
- Checking and approving other designers' work in accordance with Company Procedures.
- Reviewing and commenting on vendor information to incorporate into the design.
- Liaising and coordinating with other disciplines as required.
- Attending internal and client meetings to discuss issues & progress.
- Planning for adequate resources and manhour usage reporting to the lead engineer, feeding into design progress reports, raising issues & highlighting scope change.
- Undertaking site surveys as required.
- Offering advice and support to Junior Designers and/or subordinates on personal and career development.
- Assisting the Manager of Piping Design as instructed in administration work within the group including preparation of corporate procedures, standards and specifications.
- Reporting back to the Discipline manager comments and recommendations for continuous improvements in performance and removal of constraints.
Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Company & Client Policy with respect to water sector requirements, completing specific design tasks as delegated by the Project Discipline Engineer or Engineering Manager, and ensuring work packs are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner in line with Company & Clients Project requirements and applicable Company & Client Codes and Standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Essential: A Principal Mechanical Designer (Water) is a designer with specific knowledge and experience within their specialist field and discipline. A Principal Mechanical Designer - Water is capable of carrying out Lead Designer roles on a project or group of projects and may support the career development of fellow designers.
- Significant experience in their discipline or a closely related one.
- Proficiency in the delivery of piping and plant design across a number of work categories.
- Exceptional CAD skills including Revit & AutoCAD.
- Experienced in production of relevant engineering deliverables including 3D models, General Arrangements, Pipe support details.
Desirable:
- Experience in one or more of the following specialist mechanical design fields: Water treatment, Waste water treatment, Biosolids/sludge treatment, Pumping systems, Chemical storage and dosing.
- Experience with mechanical engineering and design deliverables and activities such as Material Take offs and Engineering schedules, such as valve lists.
- Experience in managing and closing out ALM (model review) actions.
Qualifications:
- Essential: Qualified to City & Guilds or HNC/HND minimum.
- Desirable: EngTech or I-Eng ICE professional qualification, Degree or equivalent.
Principal Mechanical / Piping Designer - Water in Manchester employer: Costain Group
At Costain, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values diverse perspectives and innovation. As an Area Manager MRP East CMO, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects in the East of England while benefiting from comprehensive employee growth opportunities and a strong commitment to health and safety. Our supportive environment encourages collaboration and personal development, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical / Piping Designer - Water in Manchester
✨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 Costain Group.
✨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 Costain Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Costain Group 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 / Piping Designer - Water in Manchester
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 Costain Group and the Principal Mechanical / Piping Designer - Water 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 Costain Group
✨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 Costain Group.
✨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 Costain Group.
✨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 Costain Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
