At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering design for innovative water sector projects and mentor engineering teams.
- Company: Leading engineering consultancy with a focus on the water sector.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, hybrid working, and long-term contract opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in water treatment while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in mechanical engineering with current water sector experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are recruiting a Principal Mechanical Engineer to deliver high-quality mechanical engineering design and technical leadership across multiple water sector projects. You will be responsible for leading mechanical engineering workstreams, ensuring compliance with sector standards, managing design delivery, and mentoring engineering teams.
Contract Details: Outside IR35 | Competitive daily/monthly rate | Hybrid working | Long-term contract
MUST HAVE: Current water sector experience. This is a senior technical role for an SQEP (Suitably Qualified Experienced Person) mechanical engineer with proven, recent expertise in water, wastewater or biosolids treatment. You will have the capability to lead mechanical engineering on projects or groups of projects, managing design quality, timescales, cost and compliance. You will work collaboratively across disciplines, liaising with clients and partners to ensure integrated delivery.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Mechanical Engineering Design & Delivery:
- Lead mechanical engineering workstreams on water sector projects
- Produce and approve mechanical design deliverables including:
- Process Flow Diagrams and Plant Layouts
- Equipment Specifications and Datasheets
- Pumping system calculations
- Material requisitions and procurement specifications
- Ensure designs are safe, practical, cost-effective and compliant with UK and international standards
- Manage design timescales, budgets and resource allocation
- Carry out Lead Mechanical Engineer roles on assigned projects or project groups
- Technical Compliance & Quality:
- Ensure full compliance with Company and Client policies, codes and standards
- Maintain rigorous Quality Assurance processes and auditable technical records
- Prepare and manage technical files in accordance with CDM requirements
- Conduct design reviews and approve design deliverables
- Ensure all work meets water sector regulatory and client specifications
- Stakeholder & Partner Coordination:
- Liaise effectively with other engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, process, etc.)
- Engage with clients and external partners to ensure integrated design delivery
- Communicate design decisions and progress to project management
- Manage supplier relationships and technical bid assessments
- Support value engineering and cost optimisation discussions
- Specialist Mechanical Engineering:
- Deliver mechanical engineering across multiple water treatment applications
- Provide expert input on pumping systems, chemical storage, asset condition
- Support feasibility studies and option appraisals
- Contribute technical knowledge to bid preparation and early contractor involvement projects
About You:
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- MUST HAVE: Current water sector experience - ongoing, active work in water treatment, wastewater or biosolids treatment design
- Degree in mechanical engineering or closely related discipline
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body, or clear evidence of working towards these professional titles
- SQEP (Suitably Qualified Experienced Person) - recognised as having specific knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering for water applications
- Minimum 12+ years’ mechanical engineering experience in water sector, with significant recent (current) work in water treatment
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more specialist mechanical engineering fields:
- Water treatment
- Wastewater treatment
- Biosolids or sludge treatment
- Pumping systems design and analysis
- Chemical storage and dosing systems
- Asset condition surveys and reporting
- Proficiency in delivering engineering design across multiple work categories and project types
- Expert-level knowledge of:
- Mechanical design working practices and installation requirements
- Equipment specification, sizing and selection
- UK legislation, standards and water sector regulations
- Pumping system hydraulics and calculations
- Process and mechanical integration
- Health, Safety and Environmental compliance
- Strong leadership capability - proven ability to lead engineering teams and manage project workstreams
- Excellent communication skills - confident engaging with clients, partners, internal teams and stakeholders
- Quality and compliance focused - meticulous approach to design quality, documentation and regulatory compliance
- Highly motivated - takes ownership of design delivery and technical excellence
Desirable:
- Experience leading mechanical engineering on major water or infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with BIM and integrated design management
- Experience with asset management and condition-based maintenance
- Knowledge of water treatment processes and best practice design
- Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers
- Track record on early contractor involvement or design-build projects
- Fluency with mechanical design software (CAD, analysis tools, etc.)
The Role in Practice:
You will work on a hybrid basis with flexible working arrangements. You will report to senior engineering leadership and lead mechanical engineering workstreams across multiple water sector projects. You will work collaboratively with civil, electrical, process and other engineering disciplines, ensuring mechanical designs integrate effectively with the overall project delivery. This is senior technical work where your mechanical expertise, leadership and SQEP status directly impact project quality and delivery. You will be responsible for design quality, compliance and stakeholder satisfaction. Your decisions on technical approach, equipment selection and design strategy shape how projects are executed.
Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Scantec
As a leading engineering consultancy in the water sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a focus on professional development, we offer extensive growth opportunities and a competitive compensation package, including hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact on vital water projects while being part of a supportive team dedicated to technical excellence and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the water sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with mechanical design and how you've successfully led projects in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities during interviews. Share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in the context of water treatment and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your current water sector experience and showcases your expertise in mechanical engineering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about detailing your relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Share specific examples of your leadership in mechanical engineering and how you've ensured compliance with standards in past projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in mechanical design software and your knowledge of UK legislation and water sector regulations. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess and understanding of the industry!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scantec
✨Know Your Water Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your current water sector experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially in water treatment, wastewater, or biosolids treatment. Highlight your expertise in mechanical engineering design and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll be leading teams and managing projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering workstreams, mentored junior engineers, and ensured compliance with standards. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of design delivery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about mechanical design practices, equipment specifications, and pumping systems. Brush up on relevant UK legislation and standards, and be ready to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Be prepared to discuss how you've liaised with clients, partners, and other engineering disciplines. Share examples of how you've managed supplier relationships and contributed to integrated design delivery, showcasing your collaborative approach.
