At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design solutions in the water sector and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm based in Manchester, focused on multidisciplinary projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in engineering practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in mechanical design, preferably in the water sector, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Working Location: Manchester, UK
Permanent position
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in delivering multidisciplinary engineering design across the water sector. This is a senior position suited to a mechanically biased Chartered (or near Chartered) Engineer who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to lead design solutions, guide engineers and influence project outcomes. You will play a key role in ensuring mechanical designs are safe, efficient, fully integrated and delivered to a high standard, while supporting the development of the wider engineering team.
The Role: As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across projects, taking ownership of mechanical design delivery and supporting multidisciplinary coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading the development of practical, efficient and buildable mechanical design solutions
- Reviewing and approving design deliverables, calculations, reports and specifications
- Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions
- Acting as Design Lead on projects where required, ensuring coordination across disciplines
- Directing and mentoring engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
- Preparing scopes for, and reviewing outputs from, subcontract M&E design teams
- Liaising with equipment suppliers and manufacturers to support design development
- Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance and client requirements
- Managing and recording design changes within project documentation
- Supporting resource planning and estimating design effort
- Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings and technical discussions
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of engineering standards and design practices
About You:
We are looking for a highly capable mechanical engineer with strong experience in the water sector and a track record of delivering robust engineering solutions.
Requirements:
Essential:
- Extensive mechanical design experience within the water industry (typically 8-12+ years)
- Strong experience in hydraulic design
- Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Strong IT and digital design capability
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Ability to lead design delivery and support junior engineers
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable:
- Chartered Engineer status
- Experience with electrical and control systems
- Experience across clean water and wastewater projects
- Awareness of construction methods and materials
- Knowledge of engineering drawing practices
Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Kintec Global Recruitment
Kintec Global Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving fields of water, hydrogen, and nuclear engineering. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement in the vibrant city of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨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 Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨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 Kintec Global Recruitment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Kintec Global Recruitment 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
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 Kintec Global Recruitment and the Principal Mechanical 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 Kintec Global Recruitment
✨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 Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨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 Kintec Global Recruitment.
✨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 Kintec Global Recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
