Principal Engineer - Mechanical Design in Preston

Principal Engineer – Mechanical Design

MWH Treatment is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to strengthen our engineering team based in our Hattersley (Manchester) office. The role involves hybrid working and focuses on projects within the United Utilities AMP8 Framework in the North West region.

You will report directly to the Mechanical Regional Discipline Lead (RDL) and be responsible for delivering superior quality Engineering Design services that minimise risks and maximise profits on turnkey and engineering services contracts. Key duties include coordinating design activities, producing design documents and drawings, and ensuring compliance with health and safety, specifications and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce cost‑effective design layouts that meet specification requirements and can be constructed and commissioned efficiently, considering all design, material, erection and cross‑discipline impacts.
• Utilise standard practices wherever possible to maintain competitiveness.
• Provide estimates and feedback for the Proposals department.
• Work to, develop, and monitor procedures and processes that support departmental development.
• Coordinate designs with internal and external disciplines to ensure consistency and benefits across the contract.
• Maintain files and records throughout contract duration.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and support a culture of customer focus.
• Maintain a personal development plan and assist in supervising and developing staff.
• Promote a safe working environment and minimise waste from departmental activities.
• Incorporate environmental considerations and all health and safety requirements in designs.

Essential Requirements

• Strong understanding of the principles of water and sewage treatment.
• Experience managing staff in designing relevant discipline aspects of water and sewage treatment plants.
• Membership of a professional institution (e.g., IMechE), incorporated or chartered.
• Relevant discipline engineering degree.
• Ability to rationalise designs and produce economic plant layouts.
• Good general knowledge of all aspects of water treatment, including mechanical, process, electrical engineering and project management.
• Flexible mindset with the ability to assimilate large amounts of data.
• Tongue‑in‑cheek ability to present technical proposals clearly, confidently and convincingly.
• Computer literacy.
• Full UK driving licence is preferred; travel to home office, client sites and, where required, locations such as Lingley Mere (Warrington) and North Hub (Preston).
• Flexibility to spend time in other offices and sites as needed for the United Utilities Framework.

About Us

MWH Treatment is an integrated design and build provider in the water sector. With over 1400 staff across eight regional centres, we support long‑term water sector frameworks and operate both as a sole contractor and in joint ventures. We champion diversity, offer a supportive environment for growth, and support initiatives such as the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant and charitable programmes for mental health.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working (job needs dependent)
• Car allowance (job needs dependent)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (additional 5 days available to buy)
• Contribution pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Cycle to work scheme, discounts and savings hub, Kids Pass, and more

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Construction