Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Temporary 52000 - 68000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
Mane Contract Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering solutions for innovative energy transition projects.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team focused on low-carbon and zero-carbon energy infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, remote work, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of energy while working on groundbreaking projects across the UK.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in Power Generation or Oil & Gas.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 68000 £ per year.

Sector: Energy Transition / Power & Industrial

Location: Remote (UK) with occasional travel to Manchester, London, Newcastle & Glasgow offices

Contract Type: 6-month rolling contract

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Rate: Up to £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a growing Energy Transition team, supporting the design and delivery of next-generation low-carbon and zero-carbon energy infrastructure. This is a senior technical role within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, offering the opportunity to influence major UK energy projects spanning conventional power, emerging low-carbon technologies, and first-of-a-kind systems. You will lead mechanical engineering delivery across the full project lifecycle—from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, construction, operation, and decommissioning.

Project Scope

  • Conventional power generation
  • Energy-from-waste facilities
  • Industrial energy systems
  • Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
  • Future fuels and first-of-a-kind low-carbon technologies

You will work closely with developers, utilities, EPC contractors, OEMs, government bodies, and financial stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of mechanical engineering solutions across all project stages
  • Deliver work across:
  • Feasibility studies
  • Concept design
  • FEED
  • Value engineering
  • Detailed design
  • Produce mechanical deliverables including:
    • Equipment specifications and datasheets
    • Engineering calculations
    • Turbine, compressor, pump, pressure vessel and heat exchanger specifications
  • Collaborate with process engineers on PFDs and P&IDs
  • Support plant layout development and 3D model reviews
  • Work with OEMs and vendors to assess and evaluate technical proposals
  • Provide technical input on plant integrity and operational issues
  • Contribute to mechanical discipline bids and multidisciplinary proposals
  • Required Skills & Experience

    • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
    • Chartered Engineer status (or working towards IEng/CEng) with a relevant professional institution
    • Significant post-graduate experience in Power Generation or Oil & Gas
    • Strong understanding of industry codes and standards for plant and piping systems
    • Experience in pressure vessel and piping design, including stress analysis
    • Familiarity with plant layout and 3D modelling environments
    • Strong proficiency in:
    • MS Excel (schedules, datasheets)
    • MathCAD (engineering calculations)
  • Experience with operational thermal plant, including troubleshooting and integrity assessment
  • Knowledge of gas turbine systems (reciprocating engines desirable)
  • Experience working with OEMs, EPC contractors, or similar organisations
  • O&M experience highly desirable
  • Additional Information

    • Remote working with occasional UK office visits
    • Exposure to major energy transition and low-carbon infrastructure programmes
    • Collaborative multidisciplinary engineering environment
    • Opportunity to work on innovative, first-of-a-kind technologies

    Summary

    This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in delivering complex energy transition projects, shaping the future of low-carbon infrastructure across the UK and beyond.

    Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Mane Contract Services

    Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will thrive in a collaborative remote work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and involvement in groundbreaking low-carbon projects. Enjoy the flexibility of remote working while occasionally connecting with colleagues in vibrant cities like Manchester, London, Newcastle, and Glasgow, all while contributing to the future of energy infrastructure.
    Mane Contract Services

    Contact Detail:

    Mane Contract Services Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer

    ✨Network Like a Pro

    Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector! Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with professionals, the better your chances of landing that Principal Mechanical Engineer role.

    ✨Show Off Your Skills

    When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with mechanical engineering projects, especially those related to low-carbon technologies. Let them see how you can contribute to their team.

    ✨Tailor Your Approach

    Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to match their values and projects. Research their recent work in energy transition and bring it up during discussions to show you’re genuinely interested.

    ✨Apply Through Our Website

    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 are proactive about their job search.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer

    Mechanical Engineering
    Chartered Engineer status
    Power Generation experience
    Oil & Gas experience
    Industry codes and standards knowledge
    Pressure vessel and piping design
    Stress analysis
    Plant layout development
    3D modelling proficiency
    MS Excel
    MathCAD
    Operational thermal plant troubleshooting
    Gas turbine systems knowledge
    Experience with OEMs and EPC contractors
    O&M experience

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in energy transition projects and any relevant technical skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about low-carbon technologies and how your expertise can contribute to our Energy Transition team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.

    Showcase Relevant Projects: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects that relate to the role. Mention your involvement in feasibility studies, detailed design, or any innovative solutions you've implemented. We love seeing real-world examples of your work!

    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 the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to energy transition and low-carbon technologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with pressure vessel and piping design, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll be leading teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering delivery across project lifecycles. Highlight your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

    ✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards

    Understand the key industry codes and standards that apply to plant and piping systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, particularly in relation to safety and efficiency in energy projects.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to energy transition projects and their future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

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