Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative mechanical systems for sustainable energy solutions and support project lifecycles.
- Company: Leading firm in decarbonisation and energy solutions based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Generous leave, life cover, discounts, gym memberships, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact on the environment through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services; experience in low-carbon technologies required.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the delivery of high-quality mechanical designs and technical support across decarbonisation and sustainable retrofit projects. This includes the design and optimisation of HVAC systems, heat pumps, and building automation systems, supporting the full project lifecycle from early feasibility through to construction and commissioning.
What will you deliver?
- Strong technical grounding in mechanical building services design to integrate low-carbon energy solutions, such as heat pumps, heat recovery systems, high-efficiency HVAC, thermal storage, and demand-led controls for sustainable retrofit in commercial, public-sector, and mixed-use buildings.
- Proven experience in heat pump design and integration, including hybrid systems and low-temperature heating solutions.
- Ability to integrate mechanical systems with electrical infrastructure and low-carbon technologies for retrofit and new-build projects.
- Sound understanding of electrical building services to enable effective coordination.
- Competent in detailed design from RIBA Stage 2 to 5, including heating and cooling load calculations, ancillary equipment sizing and selection, ductwork and pipework sizing, schematics, schedules, DSEAR assessments, and technical reports.
- Participating and contributing to HAZOP and LOPA discussions/meetings.
- Experience with heat networks and utilities, from feasibility through to applications and connection design.
- Proficient in AutoCAD and good working knowledge of BIM workflows (Revit desirable).
- Support energy modelling and system performance simulations using IES, Energy Pro, and other tools.
- Ability to lead mechanical design packages on multi-disciplinary projects.
- Ability to check, QA, and sign off mechanical designs in accordance with CIBSE Guides, BS EN standards, UK Building Regulations (Part L, Part F, Part G), and relevant industry codes.
Design Management & Team Development
- Undertake design, coordination, and management, integrating mechanical and energy systems for seamless project execution.
- Produce and develop technical reports, drawings, and specifications.
- Comfortable leading client and contractor discussions, including technical presentations.
- Experienced in Design & Build and Traditional procurement routes.
- Able to mentor junior engineers and enhance team capability.
- Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
- Commercial awareness to support bids, scopes of work, and fee proposals.
- Assist in identifying design risks and contribute to risk mitigation, manage the risk registers.
Project and Risk Support
- Manage designs and support end-to-end project lifecycle delivery, helping to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Conduct design reviews, ensuring design solutions meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
Experience:
- Experience in design and design management, risk assessment, and project delivery of sustainable retrofit, low-carbon technologies, and energy efficiency projects.
- Proficiency in design-, energy modelling- and simulation software such as IES, Energy Pro, PVsol, Termis, NEMO, and Netsim.
- Experience working across full RIBA stages on multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience in public sector or funding-driven decarbonisation projects such as PSDS and WH/SHDF.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (BEng or equivalent).
- Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards.
- Strong experience in design management, risk assessment, and project delivery of sustainable retrofit, low-carbon technologies, and energy efficiency projects.
- Strong background in mechanical building services design, supported by practical experience or equivalent knowledge.
Benefits on offer:
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester employer: Howells Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Howells Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best mechanical designs and projects. We want to see your creativity and technical prowess in action, so make sure it’s easy to access and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like a champ! Research the company and its projects, especially in decarbonisation and energy solutions. We need to impress them with our knowledge and passion for sustainable design.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in mechanical design, especially in decarbonisation and energy solutions, to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about sustainable retrofit projects. Share examples of your previous work with HVAC systems or heat pumps, and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in AutoCAD and any experience with BIM workflows. We want to see how your technical grounding aligns with our needs for high-quality mechanical designs.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howells Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around HVAC systems, heat pumps, and building automation. Be ready to discuss your experience with low-carbon technologies and how you've integrated them into past projects.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Prepare to walk through your design process from RIBA Stage 2 to 5. Highlight specific projects where you conducted heating and cooling load calculations or managed the design lifecycle, and be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or contributed to a project. Emphasise your communication skills and how you handle client and contractor discussions.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of the role, such as managing bids and scopes of work. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported project delivery within budget and timelines, and how you approach risk assessment and mitigation.