Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Leeds

Our Client is a forward‐thinking independent building services design and build contractor delivering sustainable, innovative, and technically robust engineering solutions across the built environment. They specialise in high‐quality, practical, and energy‐efficient MEP projects for commercial, retail, residential, leisure and industrial developments, with a national presence, a £100m turnover, and almost 25 years of experience. The demand for M&E pre‐construction services continues to grow, and this role will focus on building in‐house mechanical engineering capabilities by leading complex design projects from feasibility to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design on projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction stages.
• Produce and review mechanical design calculations, reports, specifications, and drawings.
• Oversee the integration of HVAC, public health, heating, cooling, ventilation, and sustainable technologies into building designs.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality benchmarks.
• Conduct technical reviews, design audits, and value engineering exercises.
• Manage project deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Attend client and design team meetings, providing clear technical guidance and updates.
• Support tender packages, technical submissions, and contractor queries.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Mentor and support Junior Engineers in their technical and professional development.
• Provide guidance on standards, best practices, and innovation in mechanical design.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote low‐carbon design principles and integrate renewable technologies where appropriate.
• Stay up‐to‐date with industry trends, legislation, and emerging technologies.
• Drive innovation in design tools, workflows, and sustainable engineering practice.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent).
• Substantial industry experience in mechanical building services design within a consultancy or contracting environment.
• Proven experience leading and managing complex MEP projects.
• Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, CIBSE guides, BSR compliance, and relevant standards.
• Proficiency in design software such as Hevacomp, IES VE, Revit MEP, and AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and client‐facing skills.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, BIM processes, and modern design workflows.

This position would best suit an HVAC Design Engineer looking for a genuine leadership role, capable of taking on significant responsibility. Reporting directly to the owners and shareholders, the role also carries the potential for rapid self‐development and the opportunity to work towards your own career objectives.