At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and improve critical water and wastewater systems for real-world impact.
- Company: Leading engineering firm focused on sustainable water solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for diverse candidates and flexible arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a difference in water management while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in project lifecycle.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Mechanical design for critical water and wastewater assets — from pumping stations to treatment plants.
- Value engineering and buildability improvements that make real‑world impact.
- Feasibility studies, detailed designs, and commissioning support for major infrastructure.
- High‑quality technical outputs including layouts, specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs.
- Equipment sizing and specification across pumps, blowers, valves, screening, dosing, and odour control systems.
- Site investigations and engagement with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
- Achieve compliance with UK water industry standards, health & safety, and environmental requirements.
- Technical guidance, mentoring, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
- Project planning support including scheduling, risk, change control, and forecasting.
- Early integration of constructability and commissioning into design solutions.
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Professional Membership Working toward or holding chartered status (e.g., IMechE or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of mechanical process‑based systems used in sectors such as water/wastewater/effluent/biomass treatment.
- Knowledge of UK water industry standards, H&S, and environmental compliance.
- Robust understanding of current health, safety and welfare legislation.
- Experience across the project lifecycle within infrastructure or similar complex environments.
- Familiarity with design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM (advantageous).
We are an equal opportunities employer and a disability confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all the listed requirements and who may benefit from flexible working arrangements.
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Jacobs
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer in the water sector, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and sustainability in its projects. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and diverse project experiences, while our commitment to employee well-being includes flexible working arrangements and a focus on health and safety compliance. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on critical water infrastructure, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Jacobs.
✨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 Jacobs love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Jacobs 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Jacobs and the Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water 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 Jacobs
✨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 Jacobs.
✨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 Jacobs.
✨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 Jacobs, making you a more appealing candidate.
