At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive quality delivery of mechanical engineering across water and wastewater projects.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions improving lives across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the water sector while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and experience in mechanical installation and commissioning.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Costain have won extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by Northumbrian Water to the Living Water Enterprise to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme with contracts valued up to c.670m to Costain over 15 years. We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join the Framework team and drive quality delivery.
The Mechanical Site Engineer will support the successful delivery of mechanical engineering and installation activities across water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Working closely with the Site Manager, Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineers, subcontractors and client teams, the role will ensure mechanical works are delivered safely, efficiently, to programme and in accordance with design, quality and environmental requirements. The role will involve working across water treatment works, wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs and associated infrastructure.
Costain helps to improve people's lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK's energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company.
We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Relevant engineering qualification such as HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering. CSCS or equivalent site qualification. Temporary Works, SSSTS/SMSTS or similar site-based qualifications. Experience with NEC contracts. Experience of commissioning and handover of mechanical process equipment.
- Manage and coordinate mechanical installation activities on site in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and project requirements.
- Supervise mechanical subcontractors and site teams, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
- Interpret and work from mechanical drawings, specifications, schedules and construction documentation.
- Coordinate mechanical works with civil, electrical, ICA and commissioning activities.
- Monitor progress against the programme and identify potential delays, constraints and technical issues.
- Liaise with Project Engineers, Design Engineers, Site Managers, subcontractors and the client to resolve engineering and construction issues.
- Undertake site inspections and ensure installations comply with design, specification and relevant standards.
- Support the preparation and review of method statements, risk assessments, inspection and test plans and permits.
- Ensure materials, plant and equipment are available and suitable for the planned works.
- Monitor quality of installation and ensure inspection and testing requirements are completed and recorded.
- Assist with commissioning, testing and handover of mechanical systems and equipment.
- Identify defects, coordinate remedial works and ensure issues are closed out effectively.
- Maintain accurate site records, including progress reports, quality documentation, drawings and technical queries.
- Support the management of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements on site.
- Contribute to toolbox talks, site briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Build effective working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal project teams.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Essential
- Experience working as a Mechanical Site Engineer, Mechanical Engineer or similar construction/site-based role.
- Experience delivering mechanical works within a construction, infrastructure, utilities or process environment.
- Understanding of mechanical installation, testing and commissioning.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Good understanding of construction health and safety requirements.
- Strong communication and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage priorities and work effectively to programme.
- Competent in producing and maintaining site documentation and records.
- Ability to identify and resolve technical and construction issues.
- Desirable
- Experience within the UK water or wastewater sector.
- Experience working on AMP programmes or water company projects.
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-08-25
Mechanical Engineer in Durham employer: Costain
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the water sector. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities while contributing to impactful projects that enhance community infrastructure. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on sustainability, Costain provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer in Durham
✨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.
✨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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Costain 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 Mechanical Engineer in Durham
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 and the 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 Costain
✨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.
✨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.
✨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, making you a more appealing candidate.
