At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design for major water infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company focused on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and industry-leading training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving growth and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the water sector while developing future engineering leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in the UK water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The UK water industry is entering one of its most significant periods of investment, with major programmes transforming how water and wastewater infrastructure is planned, designed and delivered. At Stantec, we're partnering with leading water companies to deliver innovative engineering solutions that improve resilience, enhance environmental performance and support communities for generations to come.
This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role within our Mechanical Engineering capability, providing technical direction across complex programmes while helping shape the continued growth of our business in the North. You'll be joining a collaborative multidisciplinary team where you can:
- Lead the mechanical design of nationally significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
- Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams and major client frameworks.
- Mentor, develop and inspire engineers while strengthening our regional capability.
- Build trusted relationships with clients and influence the future direction of project delivery.
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning. You'll act as the technical authority for complex mechanical engineering solutions, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical standards. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading mechanical design across major infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.
- Providing technical governance and quality assurance across project teams.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients and supporting key strategic decisions.
- Leading multidisciplinary design reviews and collaborating with Project Managers, contractors and supply chain partners.
- Providing line management, mentoring and technical development for engineers across the region.
- Supporting business growth through client engagement, framework development and technical innovation.
Your leadership will help deliver infrastructure that secures water supplies, improves wastewater services and protects the environment. Through your technical expertise you'll influence engineering decisions across nationally significant programmes, helping clients respond to increasing environmental, operational and regulatory challenges. Beyond project delivery, you'll play a vital role in developing future engineering leaders, strengthening client relationships and driving technical excellence across the business. Your contribution will help shape the future of Stantec's Mechanical Engineering capability while delivering long-lasting benefits for communities across the UK.
We're looking for an accomplished Mechanical Engineer with exceptional technical knowledge, leadership capability and a passion for developing people. You will have:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng).
- Significant experience delivering mechanical engineering solutions within the UK water sector.
- Strong experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex infrastructure projects.
- Experience producing and reviewing technical specifications, calculations and mechanical designs.
- Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
- Experience mentoring, developing and line managing engineers.
Desirable:
- Experience working alongside delivery contractors.
- Experience supporting framework growth, bids and business development.
- Experience leading innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
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 provide technical leadership on some of the UK's most significant water infrastructure projects while helping shape the future of Mechanical Engineering at Stantec, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Leeds 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 Leeds
✨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 Leeds
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.
