At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering projects that enhance water infrastructure and sustainability.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated consultancy focused on innovative water solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to creating sustainable engineering solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
The South of England is at the heart of one of the UK's largest periods of investment in water infrastructure. Through AMP8, water companies are investing in resilient, sustainable assets that will improve environmental performance, strengthen water security and support growing communities. At Stantec, we're helping deliver these nationally significant programmes and are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Brighton, London, High Wycombe, Reading or Southampton.
As part of one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary water consultancies, you'll work alongside recognised technical specialists on a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, conveyance systems and complex mechanical engineering projects. With a strong pipeline of work, investment in digital engineering and a collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career while helping shape the future of water infrastructure across the South of England.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the technical delivery of mechanical engineering projects across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning. You'll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to develop practical, sustainable engineering solutions that deliver successful project outcomes. You’ll provide technical leadership across water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations and mechanical process systems, ensuring designs meet the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability. Alongside project delivery, you’ll mentor engineers within the team, contribute to technical governance, support project planning and work with clients to deliver innovative engineering solutions.
YOUR IMPACT
Your expertise will help deliver vital infrastructure that improves water resilience, protects the environment and supports communities across the South of England. Through innovative mechanical engineering solutions, you’ll contribute to projects that enhance operational performance, improve treatment processes and provide long‑term value for our clients. You’ll also play an important role in developing future engineering talent by mentoring colleagues, sharing technical knowledge and strengthening capability across the business. Your contribution will reinforce client relationships, support successful project delivery and maintain Stantec's reputation for technical excellence throughout AMP8 and beyond.
ABOUT YOU
- Essential Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng).
- Experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, pumping stations and associated mechanical systems.
- Experience leading technical project delivery and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers.
- Desirable
- Experience working alongside delivery contractors.
- Experience across both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.
- Experience supporting bids or business development activities.
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.
Join us and help deliver the next generation of resilient water infrastructure across the South of England, creating sustainable engineering solutions that will benefit communities for years to come.
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.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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.
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector employer: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. provides a dynamic work environment where employees can grow their careers through mentorship and involvement in major projects. The company's commitment to sustainability and community engagement makes it an attractive employer for professionals in the engineering and consulting fields.
Contact Details:
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector
✨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 Stantec Consulting Services, Inc..
✨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 Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. 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 Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector
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 Services, Inc. and the 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 Services, Inc.
✨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 Services, Inc..
✨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 Services, Inc..
✨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 Services, Inc., making you a more appealing candidate.
