At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering for exciting residential and commercial projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to equality and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable building projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.
Outside IR35
Hybrid
Role Purpose
The Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer will lead the mechanical engineering delivery of residential and commercial construction projects from pre-construction through commissioning and handover. The role acts as the senior mechanical technical authority, ensuring systems are compliant, coordinated, cost-effective, and buildable while supporting programme, quality, and safety objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical & Delivery Leadership
- Lead mechanical engineering delivery across multiple residential and commercial projects.
- Take ownership of mechanical design development and construction-stage design responsibility on D&B projects.
- Review, challenge, and manage consultant designs to ensure buildability, value, and programme certainty.
- Ensure compliance with UK legislation and standards, including:
- Building Regulations (Part L, Part F, Part O, Part G)
- CIBSE Guides and Technical Memoranda
- BS EN standards and relevant British Standards
- BSRIA commissioning guides
- Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations where applicable
- Provide technical leadership across HVAC, domestic water services, drainage, above-ground soil and waste, and specialist mechanical systems.
- Provide mechanical input into bids, tenders, and pre-construction activities.
- Review Employer's Requirements, specifications, and performance criteria.
- Lead value engineering, alternative solutions, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate mechanical design with electrical, public health, structural, architectural, and fire engineering teams.
- Manage RFIs, design changes, and technical submissions.
- Provide senior mechanical engineering support to site and project teams.
- Attend site meetings, coordination workshops, and technical reviews.
- Support installation quality, inspections, pressure testing, flushing, and commissioning.
- Resolve on-site mechanical issues, non-conformances, and installation constraints.
- Oversee commissioning strategies, witnessing, O&M manuals, and handover documentation.
- Work closely with commercial and procurement teams to manage cost, variations, and supply chain performance.
- Support procurement strategies for plant, equipment, and specialist subcontractors.
- Ensure mechanical works align with construction sequencing and programme milestones.
- Act as senior mechanical authority and mentor for engineers, design managers, and site teams.
- Support the development and technical competence of junior mechanical engineers.
- Promote best practice in safe design, quality assurance, and constructability.
- Promote safe-by-design principles and contractor H&S standards.
- Fulfil Designer duties under CDM Regulations 2015 where required.
- Ensure compliance with company QA systems, ISO standards, and statutory requirements.
Skills & Competencies
- Technical Skills
- Strong contractor-side experience delivering mechanical services on residential and commercial developments.
- In-depth knowledge of HVAC systems including:
- Air-source and ground-source heat pumps
- VRF/VRV systems
- Gas-fired and electric heating systems
- Mechanical ventilation (MVHR, smoke control interface)
- Strong understanding of domestic water services, boosted systems, drainage, and water efficiency.
- Experience with BIM Level 2 coordination using Revit and Navisworks.
- Strong leadership and decision-making capability in live construction environments.
- Clear and effective communication with site teams, consultants, subcontractors, and clients.
- Commercially aware, pragmatic, and solutions-focused.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent).
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status desirable; working towards acceptable.
- Typically 10+ years' experience in UK building services engineering, with significant contractor-side delivery experience.
- Proven experience delivering residential and commercial projects through construction and handover.
Desirable Experience
- High-rise residential schemes (including ventilation, overheating, and fire strategy interfaces).
- Low-carbon and net-zero technologies, including heat networks and renewable systems.
- Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor environment.
- MMC, prefabrication, and off-site plant solutions.
xiskglj ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.
Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer in Leeds employer: ERSG Ltd
Contact Detail:
ERSG Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend relevant events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the MEP sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical knowledge! Be ready to discuss specific mechanical systems and design challenges you've faced. Use real examples from your experience to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and skills required.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: When applying, don’t just send a generic CV. We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs. Highlight your relevant projects and skills that match the role, especially your contractor-side experience and knowledge of HVAC systems.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess. Make sure to mention your experience with BIM Level 2 coordination, as well as any specific mechanical systems you’ve worked with. This will help us see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ERSG Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal MEP Mechanical Engineer, you’ll need to showcase your in-depth knowledge of HVAC systems and building services. Brush up on the latest regulations and standards, like Building Regulations and CIBSE Guides, so you can confidently discuss how you ensure compliance and buildability in your projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and decision-making capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve led teams or managed multiple projects. Highlight how you’ve mentored junior engineers and promoted best practices in safety and quality assurance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced on-site, such as resolving mechanical issues or managing design changes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Be prepared to discuss how you coordinate with various teams, including electrical and structural engineers, to ensure seamless project delivery.