At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design solutions for cutting-edge data centre projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Join Cundall, a leader in innovative data centre engineering.
- Benefits: Structured training, career growth, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile projects that shape the future of critical infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in data centres required.
The predicted salary is between 58100 - 80000 £ per year.
Cundall’s Critical Systems team is delivering some of the most complex and high‑profile data centre developments globally. As our workload continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in leading technical delivery, shaping design solutions and supporting the continued growth of our data centre capability. You will join a specialist team focused solely on data centres and mission-critical environments. Our work ranges from hyperscale developments and advanced compute campuses through to retrofit upgrades, technical due diligence and the evolution of global client design standards.
This role is suited to someone with strong technical depth, a collaborative mindset and the ability to take ownership of complex engineering challenges within a client-focused environment.
The Role
As a Principal Engineer within our Critical Systems team, you will take a leading role in the delivery of complex mechanical design solutions across major data centre projects. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and stakeholders to develop robust, efficient and technically excellent designs, contributing across all project stages – from concept development through to detailed design and construction support. This is a hands‑on technical role with growing leadership responsibility. You will support the development of junior engineers, contribute to project planning and play a key role in maintaining the quality and consistency of design delivery. You will also have the opportunity to engage directly with clients, helping to shape technical strategies and influence project outcomes across both regional and global programmes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the delivery of mechanical design solutions for data centre and mission-critical projects.
- Prepare technical specifications, calculations, schedules and engineering reports.
- Develop coordinated design solutions as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
- Contribute to design reviews and provide technical guidance within your discipline.
- Support project planning, programme coordination and fee input where required.
- Participate in project meetings and engage with clients and stakeholders.
- Carry out site visits, inspections and surveys to inform design development.
- Collaborate with colleagues across regional and international teams.
- Support and mentor junior engineers, contributing to their technical development.
- Contribute to business development activities and wider team growth initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience in a consulting engineering environment, with a strong technical foundation.
- Proven ability to deliver coordinated design solutions as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience in preparing design documentation, calculations and technical reports.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and project teams.
- A collaborative and proactive approach to problem solving.
- A commitment to quality and continuous improvement in design delivery.
- Previous experience in the data centre sector is essential.
You will be supported through structured training and mentoring to develop your expertise in this field.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work on some of the most technically challenging and fast-moving projects in the built environment, within a specialist data centre team recognised for its expertise and delivery capability. You will be supported by experienced engineers and leaders across our global business, with access to structured development programmes and opportunities to grow your career within a rapidly expanding sector. At Cundall, we combine technical excellence with a collaborative and supportive culture, giving our people the opportunity to take ownership, develop their expertise and contribute to projects that shape the future of critical infrastructure.
EEO Statement
We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.
Principal Mechanical Critical Systems Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Cundall
Cundall is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer in our Critical Systems team, you will engage in cutting-edge data centre projects while benefiting from structured training and mentorship to enhance your career growth. Our inclusive culture fosters diversity and encourages ownership, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the future of critical infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Critical Systems Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Cundall 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 Critical Systems Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Cundall and the Principal Mechanical Critical Systems 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 Cundall
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall.
✨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 Cundall, making you a more appealing candidate.
