At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects in Scotland's water sector.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated engineering consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team driving growth and innovation in engineering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable water infrastructure for future generations.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Scotland's water sector is entering a significant period of investment as Scottish Water continues to deliver ambitious programmes that improve resilience, enhance environmental performance and prepare infrastructure for future generations. At Stantec, we're playing a key role in delivering these nationally important projects, and we're looking for a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our leadership team in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
This is an opportunity to influence more than project delivery. You'll provide strategic leadership across our Mechanical Engineering discipline, helping shape technical standards, strengthen client partnerships and support the continued growth of one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary water consultancies. Working alongside industry-leading specialists, you'll contribute to nationally significant programmes while mentoring future technical leaders and driving innovation across our Mechanical Engineering capability.
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide strategic technical leadership across major infrastructure and non-infrastructure programmes, ensuring the successful delivery of complex mechanical engineering solutions throughout the project lifecycle. You'll oversee technical governance, provide expert guidance across multidisciplinary teams and work closely with clients and contractors to develop sustainable, innovative engineering solutions.
You'll act as a senior technical authority for water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations and conveyance systems, while supporting business development, framework growth and long-term client relationships. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you'll provide line management and mentorship to engineers across the business, helping shape the future of our Mechanical Engineering discipline in Scotland.
Your leadership will influence how critical water infrastructure is designed and delivered, helping Scottish Water respond to increasing environmental expectations, climate resilience challenges and long-term investment priorities. Through technical excellence and strategic thinking, you'll help deliver projects that improve operational performance, protect the environment and provide resilient water services for communities across Scotland.
Beyond project delivery, you'll leave a lasting legacy by developing future engineering leaders, advancing technical best practice and driving continuous improvement across the discipline. Your expertise will strengthen client confidence, support business growth and reinforce Stantec's reputation as one of the UK's leading engineering consultancies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng).
- Extensive experience delivering complex mechanical engineering projects within the UK water sector.
- Proven experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary programmes.
- Strong background in water and wastewater treatment, pumping stations and mechanical process systems.
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing engineering teams.
- Excellent client relationship, stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience supporting framework growth and business development.
- Experience establishing technical standards and engineering governance.
- Experience working collaboratively with contractors across major capital programmes.
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 shape the future of mechanical engineering across Scotland, delivering nationally important infrastructure that will benefit communities for generations to come.
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.
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. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.
Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Edinburgh employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a significant impact in the energy sector through innovative projects like hydropower and energy building design. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, Stantec fosters an environment where engineers can thrive and grow their careers while contributing to meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Edinburgh
✨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.
✨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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Stantec 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 Edinburgh
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 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
✨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.
✨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.
✨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, making you a more appealing candidate.
