At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical maintenance and ensure compliance across the University estate.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with mentoring programmes and accessibility resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and service continuity in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive mechanical engineering knowledge and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Team
The Estates Engineering team sits within the Estates, Facilities & Campus Development Directorate and plays a critical role in keeping the University's estate safe, compliant and fully operational. The team delivers planned, cyclical and reactive maintenance across a diverse portfolio of teaching, research and specialist facilities. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, project teams, specialist contractors and statutory bodies, the team ensures building services perform reliably and meet evolving legal and sector requirements. You will join a collaborative, customer-focused environment where sound engineering judgement, clear standards and continuous improvement are valued. The work is varied and high-impact, directly supporting the University's mission by protecting people, assets and service continuity.
About the Role
As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide strategic leadership for mechanical maintenance and compliance across the University estate. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading planned and cyclical mechanical maintenance programmes
- Managing reactive maintenance priorities and operational risk
- Overseeing mechanical systems expenditure and performance indicators
- Ensuring statutory compliance and robust assurance aligned to frameworks such as SFG20 and structured asset data standards
- Acting as Responsible or Authorised Person for designated mechanical systems (as appointed)
- Chairing or contributing to relevant steering groups and safety panels
- Providing technical acceptance of mechanical project work and insurer inspection remediation
This is a full-time, permanent role, with flexible working across the estate and participation in the emergency call-out rota.
About You
We are seeking a senior mechanical professional with strong technical credibility and confident leadership capability. You will bring:
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical and gas building services engineering
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and safe systems of work
- Proven experience delivering high-quality maintenance services through in-house teams and specialist supply chains
- The ability to produce clear technical specifications and reports
- Experience managing budgets, procurement activity and performance
You will also be able to build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Chartered status (or equivalent level of expertise), relevant health and safety qualifications and Authorised Person competence across appropriate mechanical disciplines are highly desirable. Experience contributing to decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives would be an advantage.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
£48,822 to £56,535. Grade 9
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment for students, providing flexible shifts that fit around academic commitments. As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll gain valuable experience in a dynamic catering setting while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of community on campus.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Manchester
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Manchester Metropolitan University 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 in Manchester
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 Manchester Metropolitan University 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 Manchester Metropolitan University
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
✨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 Manchester Metropolitan University, making you a more appealing candidate.
