Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for innovative water sector projects, ensuring compliance and quality.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK's essential services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work culture focused on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing sector while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in water treatment preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to support fellow engineers and grow within a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Wastewater) – Greater Manchester Job Description
As our Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will deliver Mechanical Design & Engineering Services to water sector projects.
We work with customers as a primary provider of engineering support through ECI and FEED phases to take their project through to detailed design and construction.
Work will be located at Costain Offices at Aviator Way, Manchester, with a blended approach to flexible and home working to support wellbeing. We welcome applicants from candidates with experience of working in the water sector to support interdisciplinary learning and on-site delivery.
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.
#LI-MR1
Responsibilities
- To ensure compliance with Company & Client Policy with respect to water sector requirements.
- To complete specific design tasks as delegated by the Project Discipline Engineer or Engineering Manager as appropriate.
- To ensure work packs are delivered in timely and cost effective manner and in line with Company & Clients Project requirements and applicable Company & Client Codes and Standards. Where task forces are mobilised the team members are to be selected through the SQEP process and be familiar in the appropriate field of work.
- To ensure well maintained Quality Assurance, auditable records, and technical files in line with CDM requirements.To ensure smooth and efficient liaison with Other Associated Partners and disciplines as required
Qualifications
Essential;
- Specific knowledge and experience within their specialist field and discipline. (i.e.SQEP\’d – Suitably Qualified Experienced Person)
- Capable of carrying out Lead Mechanical Engineers roles on a project or group of water projects and may support the career development of fellow engineers.
- Significant and proven experience in Mechanical discipline or a closely related one.
- Proficiency in the delivery of engineering design across a number of work categories.
- An appropriate Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
Experience in one or more of the following specialist mechanical engineering fields:
- Water treatment
- Waste water treatment
- Biosolids/sludge treatment
- Pumping systems
- Chemical storage and dosing
- Asset condition surveys and reports
Desirable;
Experience with the following mechanical engineering and design deliverables and activities:
- Process Flow Diagrams
- Plant Layout
- Equipment Specifications and Datasheets
- Pumping system calculations
- Chartered Mechanical Engineer
About Us
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.
Costain appreciate the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase.
We do share individual feedback following an interview .
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that disclose they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
For more details please go to the Disability Confident website:
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Wastewater) - Greater Manchester employer: Costain
Contact Detail:
Costain Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer (Wastewater) - Greater Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the water sector, especially those who have experience with mechanical engineering roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges and innovations in wastewater management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and methodologies used in mechanical design for wastewater treatment. This could include studying recent case studies or advancements in pumping systems and chemical storage solutions that are relevant to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Costain to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position. This can help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with interdisciplinary collaboration, as this role requires effective communication with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully worked alongside other disciplines to deliver a project, and be ready to share these during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer (Wastewater) - Greater Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in the water sector.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your specific knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering fields such as water treatment, wastewater treatment, and pumping systems. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your proficiency and past achievements.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your educational background, including any degrees or certifications relevant to mechanical engineering. If you are a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, be sure to include this as it is a desirable qualification for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with Costain's vision of improving lives through smart infrastructure solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your specific knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering, particularly within the water sector. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, focusing on your role and the technical challenges you overcame.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Costain's vision and values. Highlight how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and innovation in infrastructure solutions. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed project timelines, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, or ensured compliance with industry standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's projects, team dynamics, or future challenges in the water sector. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
