Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in City of London

Hilson Moran is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for our award‑winning London office. We are interdisciplinary consultants, engineers and advisors, applying progressive design thinking to shape the environments we live in. Our work spans projects from World Cup stadiums in the Middle East to luxury hotels in New York, and development projects in India. We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic engineer who ideally holds professional accreditation or is actively pursuing it. Bring an extensive portfolio demonstrating your expertise and capabilities across diverse design projects of varying scale, complexity, sectors, and geographies.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside project leads, managing small individual projects while supporting project coordination.
• Deliver large complex and niche projects to small “Engineering only” technical projects on time and to the highest technical standard, including management support.
• Act as discipline lead on projects of scale and complexity.
• Monitor quality control on projects to ensure company quality standards are met, preparing calculations, specifications and drawings that comply with the client’s brief.
• Support the day‑to‑day running of projects, ensuring delivery to the highest technical standards.
• Serve as key client interface at the project level when the Project Director cannot attend, aligning client requirements with project goals and encouraging long‑term partnerships.
• Engage the Project Directors in marketing activities, developing a network of contacts within the industry and with clients.
• Attend evening functions and receptions to reinforce sales and marketing activities.
• Assist in the development of fee proposals and presentations.
• Support the team with quality control and ensure the company quality assurance and compliance standards are upheld.
• Work with the Project Lead to evaluate project challenges, identify and develop solutions for new projects, mitigate risks, and develop future opportunities.
• Be visible and available to the project team.
• Conduct performance assessments, provide constructive feedback, and identify skill gaps for learning & development (if applicable).
• Encourage a growth culture and provide support for early‑career staff learning and development.
• Monitor the design work carried out by other team members and provide technical training (if applicable).
• Liaise with the BIM team to ensure drawing requirements are met (if applicable).
• Assist the Project Manager in identifying additional work and claiming additional fees where appropriate.
• Be involved in business development, personal and team management and client relations.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, plus public holidays, increasing up to 28 days with length of service.
• Enhanced company pension contribution.
• Annual budget for personal wellbeing activities.
• Access to our healthcare scheme.
• Access to confidential wellbeing support services via the Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid volunteering days to support causes important to you.
• Fun company events, including annual winter party and full company summer social.
• Season ticket loans.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Options for unpaid leave and career breaks.

Background & Qualifications

• MSc or BSc in Environmental or Engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status or strong ambition to achieve chartership through CIBSE or IMechE.
• Mechanical engineering experience at a senior level, particularly in commercial projects, new builds, refurbishments, and fit‑outs.
• Experience in laboratory, light industrial, and/or hotel developments.
• Understanding of sustainable building design, renewable energy and low‑carbon technology.
• In‑depth knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Expertise in Building Services Engineering Systems, including performance, application, and operation in a design office setting.
• Strong analytical skills to drive continuous improvement.
• Proactive, adaptable, and approachable engineer with strong client‑facing and communication skills at all levels.
• Experience with design and build projects is advantageous.

Skills

• Demonstrate strong technical expertise through client presentations, building trust and fostering strong internal and external relationships.
• Review calculations, specifications, and drawings for compliance with client briefs, while supporting the Project Director in managing project finances.
• Apply technical skills to deliver complex projects, providing guidance and fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and design excellence.
• Communicate effectively with senior clients and stakeholders, evaluating project variations and recommending scope, programme, and fee adjustments.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, knowledge sharing, and problem‑solving while ensuring project milestones are met.
• Exhibit leadership, organisational skills, and financial management expertise in line with best management practices.

All Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hilson Moran is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all communities.