Senior Mechanical Engineer in Manchester

Senior Mechanical Engineer in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ESL UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design on exciting water projects and mentor junior engineers.
  • Company: Dynamic engineering consultancy with a focus on collaboration and growth.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 23 days leave, gym access, and regular team socials.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the water sector while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: 10 years in mechanical design, ideally in the water industry.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team delivering projects across the water sector. This role is ideal for a mechanically biased engineer who is confident leading design packages, developing practical engineering solutions and supporting the growth of junior engineers. You will take ownership of mechanical design delivery across projects, working closely with civil, structural, and electrical disciplines to ensure solutions are safe, efficient, and fully integrated.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality engineering design across water and wastewater projects. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Producing design deliverables that meet safety, quality and regulatory requirements
  • Preparing mechanical design calculations, drawings and technical documentation
  • Leading the development of efficient and buildable design solutions
  • Directing and mentoring CAD technicians, junior engineers and graduates
  • Preparing scopes for, and reviewing outputs from, subcontract M&E design teams
  • Liaising with equipment suppliers and manufacturers to support design development
  • Producing design investigations, reports and specifications
  • Ensuring designs comply with relevant standards, professional guidance and company procedures
  • Managing and recording design changes within project documentation
  • Estimating design hours and supporting project planning
  • Attending and presenting at design reviews and project meetings

We are looking for a capable and motivated mechanical engineer with strong experience in the water sector and a desire to continue developing both technically and professionally. It’s essential that you have:

  • Around 10 years’ mechanical design experience within the water industry
  • Strong experience in hydraulic design
  • Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
  • Good IT and digital design capability
  • Registered with a professional engineering institution and working towards chartership
  • Understanding of multidisciplinary design environments

It’s desirable that you have:

  • Chartered Engineer status
  • Experience or awareness of electrical and control systems
  • Experience across clean water and wastewater projects
  • Awareness of construction methods and materials
  • Knowledge of engineering drawing practices

We are a growing engineering consultancy where engineers have the opportunity to take ownership of their work, influence project outcomes and develop their careers. In this role, you will:

  • Lead mechanical design delivery on projects
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Support the development of junior engineers
  • Build experience toward Principal / Associate level roles

Our Manchester office offers free parking, excellent transport links and access to a fully equipped gym with changing facilities, alongside a collaborative and supportive working environment. We also offer:

  • 23 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing with service
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Chartership mentoring and support
  • Regular CPD sessions and industry‑led learning
  • Monthly team brunches and quarterly socials
  • Cycle to Work scheme and free fruit in the office

We are primarily office‑based but offer flexible hybrid working arrangements. Contract positions may be outside IR35. If you are a Senior Mechanical Engineer looking to take the next step in your career within a growing and supportive team, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Senior Mechanical Engineer in Manchester employer: ESL UK

Join a dynamic and supportive team in Manchester as a Junior CAD Technician, where you will have the opportunity to develop your CAD skills while working on exciting infrastructure projects in the rail and water sectors. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning through mentoring and structured career development, alongside benefits such as competitive salary, generous annual leave, and access to a fully equipped gym. With strong transport links and a vibrant local area, this role offers a meaningful start to your engineering career in a thriving environment.

ESL UK

Contact Details:

ESL UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer in Manchester

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your expertise. Bring along a portfolio of your best work or prepare to discuss specific projects you've led. This is your time to shine and demonstrate how you can add value to their team!

Ace the Interview

Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practicing your answers. But don’t just rehearse; think about how your experience aligns with the role. Be ready to discuss your mechanical design experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in the water sector.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting projects in the water sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Engineer in Manchester

Mechanical Design
Hydraulic Design
Design Calculations
Technical Documentation
Mentoring
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in mechanical design, especially within the water sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention your passion for mentoring junior engineers and your experience in multidisciplinary environments – we love that!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to include your technical capabilities, especially in hydraulic design and digital tools. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what software and methodologies you’re familiar with.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESL UK

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles, especially those relevant to the water sector. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled challenges in hydraulic design. This will show that you’re not just experienced but also passionate about your field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided junior engineers or CAD technicians in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership experience will demonstrate that you're ready for this responsibility.

Understand Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with civil, structural, and electrical teams, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with other disciplines in the past. Share specific instances where your input helped integrate different engineering solutions effectively.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the company’s projects, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.