At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects in Scotland's water sector.
- Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated multidisciplinary water consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable water infrastructure for communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Scotland's water sector is entering a period of significant investment as Scottish Water continues to modernise and strengthen the country's water and wastewater infrastructure. At Stantec, we're helping deliver innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that will improve resilience, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come.
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 work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to develop practical, sustainable engineering solutions that deliver outstanding 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 collaborate with clients to develop innovative engineering solutions.
Your expertise will help deliver the infrastructure that enables communities across Scotland to access safe, reliable water services while supporting ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. Through innovative mechanical design, you'll contribute to projects that improve treatment processes, increase operational efficiency and strengthen the resilience of Scotland's water networks. You'll also play an important role in developing the next generation of engineers, sharing your knowledge and helping build technical capability across the business. Your contribution will strengthen client relationships, support successful project delivery and reinforce Stantec's reputation for engineering excellence.
About You - Essential
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards.
- 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.
- We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions.
- 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 water infrastructure across Scotland and beyond.
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Inverness 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Inverness
✨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 Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector in Inverness
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 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.
