Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Full-Time 44100 - 53900 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects in energy and low-carbon sectors.
  • Company: Join Optimus Plus, a respected engineering consultancy with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid working model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to practical delivery and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving energy industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in mechanical engineering design.

The predicted salary is between 44100 - 53900 £ per year.

Optimus Plus are now seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering consultancy, supporting major energy, oil and gas, and low-carbon projects across the UK and Europe.

This role is available on an long-term, on-going contract (Ltd/umbrella) basis and can be based in our Aberdeen or Glasgow office on a flexible hybrid working model, where 2 days per week can be worked remotely.

Role Summary

This is a key role, responsible for delivering high-quality mechanical engineering solutions throughout the project lifecycle, from concept and FEED studies through detailed design, execution, commissioning, and operational support.

Working closely with clients, project managers, and multi-discipline engineering teams, you will ensure all deliverables meet relevant industry and clint standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in the upstream, midstream, or downstream oil and gas sector, together with a strong understanding of process plant equipment, piping systems, package equipment, and safety-critical design principles.

Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is highly desirable.

Suitable candidates must have previous consultancy experience, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to lead technical teams while identifying opportunities to support business growth.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected engineering organisation delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to the evolving energy industry.

  • Identify the scope of work required
  • Input to project plans
  • Identify areas of concern during any project or study
  • Produce cost- effective engineering solutions that are fit for purpose, safe and add value
  • Ability to address operational and maintenance issues in the design and liaise with colleagues for the best solution
  • Exercise technical authority and autonomy in all engineering activities

About You

Qualifications

  • Degree qualified in a relevant subject
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and membership of a recognised professional institution.

Experience/ competence

  • Extensive experience in mechanical engineering design and consultancy within the process, oil and gas sector.
  • Demonstratable experience in Brownfield Asset Development.
  • Proven track record delivering concept, FEED and detailed design projects for offshore and onshore facilities.
  • Strong knowledge of pressure equipment, rotating equipment, package systems and mechanical integrity management.
  • Working knowledge of ASME, API, ISO, DNV, PED and relevant UK/EU legislation.
  • Experienced in HAZOP, HAZID and design safety reviews.
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and act as Mechanical Technical Authority.
  • Strong client-facing skills with experience leading technical workshops and presentations.
  • Commercial awareness with experience supporting proposals, estimates and business development activities.
  • Experience in energy transition projects including CCUS, hydrogen and offshore renewable developments is highly desirable.

About Us

We are all about practical delivery. Our expert engineering solutions are always tailored, pragmatic, credible and fit for purpose. That is the Optimus way.

Optimus is an integrated, multi-discipline engineering design, project delivery and consultancy organisation.

Founded in 1999, the business began as a consultancy with a headcount of just four.

In the intervening years, Optimus has grown into a highly respected international engineering consultancy with almost 100 employees working for clients worldwide.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion and diversity.

We welcome applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or disability status.

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Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Optimus Aberdeen Ltd

Optimus Plus is an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering design within the energy sector. With a flexible hybrid working model, generous benefits including pension and enhanced sick pay, and a strong focus on team collaboration and personal development, employees thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. The opportunity to work on diverse projects, both onshore and offshore, further enhances the appeal of joining our dynamic team in Aberdeen or Glasgow.

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Contact Details:

Optimus Aberdeen Ltd Recruitment Team

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd.

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Optimus Aberdeen Ltd 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

Mechanical Engineering Design
Consultancy Experience
Process Plant Equipment Knowledge
Piping Systems Expertise
Safety-Critical Design Principles
Chartered Engineer Status
Brownfield Asset Development

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd 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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd.

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd.

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 Optimus Aberdeen Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.