At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for diverse projects, ensuring compliance and sustainability.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at a leading construction firm in Norwich.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and meaningful work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our building services team in Norwich. This senior role offers the opportunity to lead mechanical design across a diverse portfolio of projects, including MOD, MOJ, residential, commercial, and educational sectors.
You’ll play a key role in shaping technical delivery, mentoring junior engineers, and driving sustainable, low-carbon design solutions. With flexible working and the option to be in the office just one day a week, this position offers both autonomy and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design and specification of HVAC, public health, and energy systems
- Deliver projects from concept through to completion, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and client requirements
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including electrical, architectural, and structural consultants
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians
- Attend client meetings, design reviews, and site inspections
- Contribute to fee proposals, resource planning, and project programming
- Ensure designs are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high technical standard
- Support the development of low-carbon and energy-efficient mechanical strategies
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and stakeholders
Candidate Profile
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent)
- Chartered Engineer status (or working toward) with a relevant institution (e.g., CIBSE, IMechE)
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in mechanical building services design
- Proven experience delivering projects in MOD, MOJ, residential, commercial, and educational sectors
- Strong knowledge of UK building regulations, BS standards, and design codes
- Proficient in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Hevacomp, IES, and Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication, leadership, and client-facing skills
- Eligible for UK security clearance (MOD/MOJ requirement)
Benefits
- Competitive salary up to 75,000 per annum
- Flexible working with potential for one day per week in the office
- Pension scheme and annual leave package
- Professional development and chartership support
- Collaborative team culture and meaningful project work
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Locations
Mechanical Design/Analysis Engineer in Norfolk, Norwich employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design/Analysis Engineer in Norfolk, Norwich
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Hays 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 Design/Analysis Engineer in Norfolk, Norwich
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 Hays and the Mechanical Design/Analysis 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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays, making you a more appealing candidate.
