Engineering Manager in Wallingford

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

HR Wallingford’s Equipment and Technology Division is a small to medium, high expertise team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities. With more than 70 years’ experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide.

Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms.

Alongside delivering world class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation’s growth in strategic markets.

As our Engineering Manager, you’ll take strategic responsibility for all engineering design activity across both our Manchester and Wallingford sites, ensuring that high‑quality, technically robust solutions are designed to budget and to specification. Working as part of the E&T senior management team, you will oversee the full lifecycle of design, Installation, Commissioning and Training (ICT) processes, through resource allocation, design review, reporting and continuous improvement.

You’ll lead the implementation and review of engineering design methodologies, tools and procedures, driving innovation and ensuring best practice across the division. This includes coordinating the design phase for multiple concurrent projects, providing expert technical oversight, supporting buildability reviews, and ensuring compliance with all relevant design and ICT standards.

The role is both strategic and hands-on. You will work closely with Project Managers, the Production Manager, Business Development and Innovation teams, as well as external suppliers to maintain alignment on scope, scheduling and resource needs. As a senior manager, you will also contribute to the wider strategic direction of the E&T division, provide line management and technical leadership and mentoring to the engineering team.

Opportunities for national and international travel are available, including involvement in commissioning and validation activities at client sites.

You will be an experienced mechanical engineer with a diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline. You will bring substantial engineering experience from a relevant industry, with a strong background in mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving.

You will be proficient in CAD design—ideally using Creo or SolidWorks, but experience in equivalent packages such as CATIA or NX is also welcomed. You will be confident in interpreting and analysing technical data, managing budgets and resources, and supporting safe systems of work. Experience in project management, including directing cross-functional teams, and experience with health and safety responsibilities are desirable.

In terms of leadership, you will have proven line management experience and the ability to guide, motivate and develop engineering teams. You will be highly organised, with strong short‑ and long‑term planning skills, and able to manage shifting priorities while making well‑informed decisions under pressure. The role requires someone who is proactive, independent, solutions‑focused and able to maintain momentum across multiple projects.

You will be an excellent communicator—calm, resilient, and confident—with the ability to influence, persuade and collaborate effectively at all levels. High professional standards, strong attention to detail, and the ability to maintain credibility in technical discussions are essential.

Salary from £70 - £80k dependant on experience. The closing date for applications is 2nd March 2026.

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com. Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.