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 access to national and international expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's water infrastructure while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
The UK water sector is experiencing an unprecedented period of investment, and Stantec is helping shape the infrastructure that will support communities and the environment for generations to come. As AMP8 progresses, we're delivering some of the industry's most ambitious programmes, and we're looking for a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide strategic leadership across our Midlands Mechanical Engineering team. Based in Birmingham, Redditch or Derby, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our MEICA capability, working alongside industry-leading specialists to deliver complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the UK.
This is an opportunity to influence more than project outcomes; you'll help define engineering excellence, strengthen client relationships, develop future technical leaders and support the continued growth of our business. With access to national and international expertise, a diverse portfolio of projects and a clear pathway for professional development, you'll have the platform to make a lasting impact at Stantec.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide high-level technical leadership across major infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, guiding teams through the full project lifecycle from feasibility and optioneering to detailed design, construction support and delivery. You will act as a technical authority for mechanical engineering across water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and conveyance systems, ensuring solutions are innovative, sustainable and fit for the future. Working closely with clients, technical leaders, contractors and supply chain partners, you'll influence project outcomes, drive engineering excellence and support the continued development of our Midlands Mechanical Engineering team. Alongside technical delivery, you'll take responsibility for mentoring and developing engineers, supporting business growth and helping shape the strategic direction of the discipline.
YOUR IMPACT
Your leadership will directly contribute to some of the UK's most significant water infrastructure programmes, helping clients meet increasing environmental, operational and regulatory challenges. Through your technical expertise and strategic insight, you'll deliver solutions that improve resilience, enhance sustainability and provide long-term value for communities. Beyond individual projects, you'll help strengthen Stantec's Mechanical Engineering capability by developing future leaders, embedding best practice and driving continuous improvement across the discipline. Your influence will support our continued growth, reinforce client confidence and help set the standard for engineering excellence throughout AMP8 and beyond.
ABOUT YOU
Essential
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards.
- Extensive experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.
- Proven experience leading complex mechanical engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong technical understanding of water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and conveyance systems.
- Experience mentoring, developing and managing engineering teams.
- Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with contractors and delivery partners.
Desirable
- Experience supporting business development, bids and framework delivery.
- Experience influencing engineering standards, governance and technical strategy.
- Experience leading regional or discipline-level initiatives.
- Knowledge of digital engineering approaches and modern methods of delivery.
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 define the future of mechanical engineering across the Midlands, delivering the infrastructure that will shape the UK's water sector for decades to come.
Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Birmingham employer: Stantec UK Careers
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to industry-leading technologies and a strong commitment to sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear path to professional progression. Join us in Redditch or Newcastle to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Birmingham
✨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 UK Careers.
✨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 UK Careers love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Stantec UK Careers 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 Birmingham
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 UK Careers 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 UK Careers
✨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 UK Careers.
✨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 UK Careers.
✨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 UK Careers, making you a more appealing candidate.
