At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team making a real impact on Scotland's water sustainability.
- Company: Scottish Water, dedicated to clean and sustainable water solutions.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, flexible working, and a company bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape innovative, low-carbon engineering solutions that benefit communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering; chartered or working towards chartership.
The predicted salary is between 45699 - 56669 £ per year.
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Make a real impact with Scottish Water. It’s not every job that can make a difference to the people of Scotland. At Scottish Water our work keeps Scotland’s water flowing cleanly and sustainably, from reservoir to tap and sink to sea. If you’re passionate about engineering, sustainability, and making a difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
We’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Technical Support and Assurance Team: Scottish Water’s Centre of Engineering Excellence & Technical Leadership. You will play a key role in shaping design decisions within Scottish Water’s capital investment programme, to support the delivery of innovative, efficient, and low-carbon solutions across Scotland.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be part of a friendly, multi-disciplinary team that plays a vital role in providing technical support and assurance for Scottish Water’s capital investment projects. This involves supporting designers with compliance, evaluating technical risk, and promoting best practice across the organisation.
In this role, the majority of your time will be spent providing technical support and assurance across a portfolio of capital projects to ensure designs meet Scottish Water’s requirements and deliver long-term value. You will also get the opportunity to contribute towards the ongoing development of our design library, reviewing proposals that balance cost, carbon impact, safety, and risk.
You’ll have the freedom to manage your workload whilst working collaboratively with the rest of the TSA west team, project teams, consultants, contractors, and partners across the wider water industry to shape solutions that are innovative, efficient, and low-carbon.
In addition, you will get the opportunity to support the development of new processes and technologies, help to coach and mentor others, as well as being able to develop professionally with plenty of CPD opportunities.
This is a role where your expertise will make a tangible difference, influencing both the consistency of our engineering standards and the success of projects that serve communities across Scotland.
What you’ll bring
To succeed in this role, you will need a degree in mechanical engineering and be a chartered engineer or working towards chartership.
You’ll have solid knowledge and experience in water and wastewater engineering, combined with a strong understanding of design and construction principles and the regulations that govern them.
A methodical approach to problem-solving and risk management is essential, along with the ability to apply sound judgement in complex situations. You’ll be passionate about championing Scottish Water’s standardisation ambition, familiar with the PPD processes, and committed to fostering a culture of continual improvement.
Strong communication, negotiation, liaison, and influencing skills are essential, as you will work closely with a range of stakeholders to promote best practice and be an ambassador for standardisation.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.
You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days (Pro rata) of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.
For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance.
As for some nice extras? You will participate in a company bonus scheme. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small print
This role will be a Grade 7. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £45,699. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £56,669. (Pro rata)
If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on 13th August 2026.
We operate Balanced Hybrid working at Scottish Water and we encourage people to work half their time in a Scottish Water location.
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. Screening is conducted on our behalf by a third party, and must be completed before your start date. Don’t worry - we’ll only start these checks once you’ve accepted an offer.
A few final things worth knowing…
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We’re also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you’ll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally (finally!), candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Fixed-term Opportunity up to 9 months) in Stepps employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital services to communities across Scotland. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working arrangements, you will thrive in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Join us to lead a dedicated team in shaping sustainable infrastructure, all while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer (Fixed-term Opportunity up to 9 months) in Stepps
✨Connect with Local Engineering Groups
Mechanical engineering is all about community, so dive into local engineering meetups or chapters of professional societies like the IMechE. Networking in these spaces can lead to temporary roles since companies often look to fill positions quickly through trusted referrals.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you're still connected to your university, make sure to hit up their career services. They often have listings for temporary gigs or can connect you with alumni who are working in companies like Scottish Water — they could have insight on temp roles that aren't widely advertised!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Projects
Temporary roles can be competitive, so having a portfolio can set you apart. Whether it’s a personal project or even work from your studies, show off your design or prototyping skills. Get these on LinkedIn or a simple website — you’ll want to make a quick impression!
✨Apply Quickly and Follow-Up
In the temporary job space, timing is everything! Apply through our website as soon as you see the role for Senior Mechanical Engineer (Fixed-term Opportunity up to 9 months) at Scottish Water. After a few days, don’t hesitate to follow up with a friendly email or call to show your enthusiasm and commitment. It could really make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Engineer (Fixed-term Opportunity up to 9 months) in Stepps
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Engineering Projects:For a temporary role in mechanical engineering, it’s key to highlight any projects or internships you’ve worked on. Include details about your contributions, the technologies used, and any results achieved. This helps us see the practical application of your skills right from the get-go!
Tailor Your CV for Mechanical Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills that mechanical engineering demands. Mention your proficiency with CAD software, your understanding of thermodynamics, and any relevant design projects. We love seeing applicants who can directly relate their experience to what we do!
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know that you can hit the ground running! In your cover letter, share examples of how you’ve quickly adapted to new environments or challenges in previous positions. This will give us confidence in your ability to contribute effectively.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience:Prepare to elaborate on your experiences during the application process. We might ask for specific examples of times you’ve solved engineering problems or collaborated on projects. Having those ready will make you stand out during our review!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Since this is in mechanical engineering, be prepared to answer technical questions related to design principles and mechanical systems. Get familiar with key tools like CAD software and any specific methodologies relevant to the job. If they ask, being able to talk through a recent project where you used these skills will definitely set you apart!
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
Even though it’s a temporary role, showcasing a solid portfolio could be a game-changer. Gather up your best designs or projects, especially any that align with the work at Scottish Water. Be ready to discuss how you approached these tasks and the outcomes; it's an opportunity to demonstrate your practical experience even in a brief timeframe.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Constant Learning
In temporary roles, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make it clear that you’re keen to absorb as much knowledge as you can while you’re there. Talk about any relevant courses or workshops you've taken recently that keep your skills sharp; it demonstrates your commitment to the field and your willingness to adapt quickly.
✨Understand Project Timelines and Flexibility
Temporary positions can often involve shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed your time in previous roles, especially in environments where things were fluid. Highlighting your adaptability will reassure Scottish Water that you can handle the unexpected without losing steam.
