At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects in the water sector and mentor future engineers.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company known for its inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and great perks.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water infrastructure and sustainability while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The UK water sector is undergoing its most ambitious period of investment in decades, and Stantec is at the forefront of delivering the infrastructure that will improve water security, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come. As AMP8 progresses, we're delivering major programmes for water companies across the South of England and are looking for a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our leadership team. This is an opportunity to shape more than projects. You'll play a strategic role in the growth of our Mechanical Engineering discipline, working alongside industry‑leading specialists to deliver innovative water and wastewater solutions while strengthening client relationships, developing future technical leaders and influencing engineering excellence across the region.
With a diverse portfolio of projects, access to national and international expertise and a collaborative culture, you'll have the platform to make a lasting impact on both our business and the wider water industry.
About the Role
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide strategic technical leadership across major infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects, overseeing the successful delivery of mechanical engineering solutions from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning. You’ll act as a senior technical authority across water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations and conveyance systems, ensuring engineering solutions are innovative, sustainable and deliver long‑term value for our clients. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, contractors and key stakeholders, you’ll drive technical governance, support project delivery and contribute to business development and framework growth across the South of England. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you will mentor and develop engineers across the business, providing line management, strengthening capability and helping shape the future direction of our Mechanical Engineering discipline.
Your Impact
Your leadership will help deliver some of the UK’s most significant water infrastructure programmes, enabling our clients to respond to increasing environmental expectations, population growth and climate resilience challenges. Through technical excellence and strategic thinking, you’ll influence investment decisions that improve operational performance, enhance sustainability and deliver resilient infrastructure for communities across the region. Beyond project delivery, you’ll help build the future of our business by developing technical leaders, embedding engineering best practice and driving continuous improvement across the Mechanical Engineering discipline. Your expertise will strengthen client confidence, support business growth and reinforce Stantec’s reputation as a trusted leader in water engineering throughout AMP8 and beyond.
About You
Essential
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive experience delivering complex mechanical engineering projects within the UK water sector.
- Proven experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, pumping stations and mechanical systems.
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing high‑performing engineering teams.
- Excellent communication, client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with contractors and delivery partners.
Desirable
- Experience supporting framework growth, bids and business development activities.
- Experience establishing engineering standards and technical governance.
- Knowledge of digital engineering tools and modern methods of project delivery.
- Experience leading regional or discipline‑level initiatives.
Why Join Us
We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world’s top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024. We do what is right: Industry‑leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE. We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network. Growth: We’re on an exciting growth journey across the UK – we want you to be part of it! Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more. Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.
If you're ready to combine strategic leadership with technical excellence and help shape the future of water infrastructure across the South of England, we'd love to hear from you.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Northampton employer: Stantec Consulting International Ltd.
At Stantec, we pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and inclusive work environment where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. Our commitment to employee development is evident through industry-leading training, a clear progression plan towards chartership, and a range of benefits including competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Join us in shaping sustainable water management solutions while being part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages innovation.
Contact Details:
Stantec Consulting International Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Northampton
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
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✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Stantec Consulting International 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 Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Northampton
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 Stantec Consulting International Ltd. and the Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector 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 Stantec Consulting International 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 Stantec Consulting International 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 Stantec Consulting International 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 Stantec Consulting International Ltd., making you a more appealing candidate.
