At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering projects in the water sector and ensure technical quality.
- Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a leader in the UK water consultancy industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in water engineering while developing future talent.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and experience in mechanical design required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Mott MacDonald is a market leader in the UK water sector, being a key supplier to major water companies and delivering a wide variety of engineering and advisory projects in support of the challenges faced by the sector. Our Water Consultancy Division has ambitious growth plans in line with AMP8 investment needs and we are proud of our strong reputation in the industry which is allowing us to expand our business. Having been appointed to a large UK water consultancy framework in 2024, we are looking for a Mechanical Discipline Lead to support the delivery of our water and wastewater programmes.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will be the figure head for the Mechanical Engineering discipline within the framework, steering the technical direction of discipline‑related activities and owning the technical quality of the deliverables created by engineers and consultants.
Responsibilities
- Accountable for the technical quality of the deliverables created by the discipline, including the competency of discipline staff and quality assurance processes.
- Challenge of the client's technical standards and acceptance of waivers and deviations relevant to the discipline.
- Ensure the discipline discharges its duties as a Designer under CDM.
- Co‑ordinate mechanical resources across the framework alongside design managers and project technical leads.
- Develop relationships and maintain regular communication with the relevant client technical stakeholders.
The role is expected to develop and evolve in line with the framework requirements and the candidate's own skills and development areas, and offers the opportunity to develop the next generation of talent within our business.
Qualifications
- Chartered Status (CEng) with a recognised Professional Institution.
- Proven ability to lead a portfolio of technical projects, ensuring compliance with relevant quality assurance and technical standards and supporting the development of less experienced staff.
- Demonstrable technical experience in infrastructure and non‑infrastructure mechanical design.
- Strong communication skills with experience in effective collaboration across internal multidisciplinary teams.
- A drive to be abreast of professional development and knowledge of current and emerging technical solutions.
- Good understanding of designers' responsibilities under CDM.
- Flexibility to travel regularly for client meetings.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with NEC PS contracts.
- Proven project management experience.
- UK water sector experience in delivering programme of works.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.
Accessibility
We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Agile Working
We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.
Benefits
Health and Wellbeing
- Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
- Health cash plan to support everyday health costs and treatments.
- Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
- Wellbeing support available through a comprehensive program, including access for you and your family.
- Flexibility to adjust your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family.
Financial Wellbeing
- We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
- Life assurance equal up to 4× your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6× your salary.
- Income protection scheme providing financial benefits plus absence and return‑to‑work support due to long‑term illness or injury.
- Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
- Annual bonus schemes as part of our shared financial success.
Holiday
- A minimum of 33–35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
- Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years of service.
- Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers.
Family Leave
- Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
- Shared parental leave matches maternity leave; we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
- Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
Learning and Development
- Primary annual professional institution subscription.
- Opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self‑development options.
Networks, Communities, and Social Outcomes
Join a wide range of groups including Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities. Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.
Workforce Eligibility
Mott MacDonald is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in the future.
Associate/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Southern England in Newtown employer: Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee growth and well-being, particularly in the dynamic water sector of Southern England. With a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages individual expression and professional development, offering extensive benefits such as private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and enhanced family leave policies. Employees are empowered to lead impactful projects while enjoying flexible working arrangements and opportunities to engage in community initiatives, making Mott MacDonald a truly rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Southern England in Newtown
✨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 Mott MacDonald.
✨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
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Mott MacDonald 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 Associate/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Southern England in Newtown
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 Mott MacDonald and the Associate/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Southern England 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 Mott MacDonald
✨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 Mott MacDonald.
✨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 Mott MacDonald.
✨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 Mott MacDonald, making you a more appealing candidate.
