Principal Mechanical Engineer (Water) in Leeds

We are currently looking for a talented and motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our design team in Leeds. The role supports a multi‑disciplinary department that delivers detailed designs for water‑related projects across the UK. It can be worked flexibly with a minimum of three days per week in office and the option for adjusted start and finish times.

What does the role involve?

• Providing technical leadership and acting as Technical Authority for mechanical engineering across a portfolio of projects and frameworks.
• Leading the delivery of feasibility, optioneering, outline and detailed mechanical design packages for water and wastewater projects.
• Taking overall responsibility for the technical quality, consistency and governance of mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Approving design deliverables including P&IDs, calculations, specifications, datasheets, schedules, technical reports and procurement documentation.
• Chairing or providing senior technical input to design reviews, constructability reviews, hazard studies and ALMs.
• Championing CDM compliance and ensuring robust identification, assessment and mitigation of design risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Providing strategic technical support during procurement, construction, commissioning and operational handover.
• Developing strong relationships with clients, regulators, contractors, suppliers and framework partners.
• Identifying opportunities, shaping project scopes and contributing to bids, proposals and business development activities.
• Supporting recruitment, succession planning, mentoring and the development of engineering capability within the business.
• Driving continuous improvement, standardisation and best practice across mechanical engineering delivery.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer status with the IMechE.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of mechanical design for the water industry.
• The ability to work with engineers from all disciplines and other industry professionals to optimise and develop bespoke and innovative designs.
• Experience in the delivery of water designs and specifications on water‑related projects for Water Companies, Contractors and industry.
• An appreciation of the implications of works on the environment and knowledge of sustainable solutions, water and wastewater processes and health and safety legislation.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company car or car allowance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to five additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Committed employer. Disability Confident employers interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We are committed to enabling all colleagues to achieve a work‑life balance and to treating all employees fairly.