At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Fast-growing MEP consultancy in Leeds with a focus on sustainable engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team with excellent growth potential and industry recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting building projects while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in mechanical design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our Client is one of the fastest growing and leading MEP Consulting Engineers in Leeds. The building services design team has a fantastic mix of work from complex detailed design schemes through to energy advice, utility and infrastructure design, surveys and feasibility studies. Further contract wins and exciting expansion plans have created a number of new positions over the last 12-18 months, in both Leeds and their North West office, with further opportunity to join the business now also available.
In Leeds they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer seasoned at operating at Principal or Associate level, to help lead and develop one of the MEP Teams. This is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality mechanical building services design, managing projects, supporting business development, and mentoring engineering staff. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping project delivery, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the continued growth of the practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Lead the design and delivery of mechanical building services systems including heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning, public health and water services.
- Provide technical oversight and review of mechanical design work produced by the team.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards including CIBSE guidance, Building Regulations, and British Standards.
- Oversee the preparation of technical calculations, reports, and specifications.
- Project Management
- Manage mechanical engineering projects from concept through to completion.
- Lead multidisciplinary coordination with electrical teams.
- Attend client meetings and represent the company in design workshops and technical reviews.
- Monitor project progress, programme, resources, and budgets.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to junior and intermediate engineers.
- Support technical development within the mechanical engineering team.
- Contribute to recruitment and staff development initiatives.
- Business Development
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
- Support preparation of fee proposals and tender submissions.
- Identify opportunities for new projects and contribute to company growth.
- Represent the business at industry and networking events where appropriate.
Required Skills & Experience
- Extensive experience in mechanical building services design within a UK design environment.
- Proven experience leading mechanical design on commercial, residential, education, healthcare, or mixed-use projects.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical systems including HVAC, heating, ventilation, cooling, and public health services.
- Experience managing projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience delivering low-carbon building solutions such as heat pumps, district heating, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
- Experience working with BIM and Revit environments.
- Knowledge of net zero and sustainable design strategies.
Qualifications
- Professional qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Commercial awareness and ability to manage project budgets.
- Collaborative and proactive approach.
- High attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence.
Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer employer: Parkinson Gray Associates
As a leading M&E contractor in the North West, this company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to thrive without the constraints of a traditional office. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to take on a senior role that directly influences the success of large-scale projects while collaborating closely with the management team. The supportive culture and commitment to long-term business growth make this an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Associate 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 Parkinson Gray Associates.
✨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 Parkinson Gray Associates love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Parkinson Gray Associates 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 / Associate Mechanical Engineer
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 Parkinson Gray Associates and the Principal / Associate 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 Parkinson Gray Associates
✨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 Parkinson Gray Associates.
✨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 Parkinson Gray Associates.
✨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 Parkinson Gray Associates, making you a more appealing candidate.