At a Glance
- Tasks: Design low-carbon heating systems and lead impactful decarbonisation projects.
- Company: Fast-growing contractor in renewable energy and decarbonisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine career progression, hybrid working, and job security.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to the UK's carbon footprint while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, heat pump expertise, and AutoCAD proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We're working with one of the UK's fastest-growing players in the decarbonisation space - a business that's absolutely flying right now. They've got a ridiculously healthy order book stretching out over the next decade, working on some of the most exciting low-carbon projects across the country.
If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer who's passionate about net zero, heat pumps, and actually making a tangible difference to the UK's carbon footprint, this is the role for you. This isn't just another engineering job - this is a genuine career-defining move for the right person.
Why This Role is Different
- Progression is Real Here. The Design Leader you'll be working under started on the tools and has worked their way right through the business. They're a living case study of what's achievable in this environment - and they're building a team of ambitious engineers who want to do the same.
- The Work Actually Matters. You'll be designing heat pump systems, HVAC upgrades, and district heating solutions for schools, hospitals, council buildings, and social housing. Real projects. Real impact. Real decarbonisation.
- The Growth is Insane. With a pipeline of work secured for the next 10+ years, they're scaling fast. That means opportunities to step up, lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and carve out your own path within the business.
What You'll Be Doing
This is a proper hands-on, technical design role where you'll be:
- Designing low-carbon heating systems - heat pumps (air source & ground source), high-efficiency HVAC, district heating networks, and thermal storage for retrofit and new-build projects.
- Leading the technical side of projects from early feasibility (RIBA Stage 2) right through to construction and commissioning (Stage 5).
- Working on flagship decarbonisation schemes - think Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), and large-scale public sector contracts.
- Getting stuck into the detail - heating/cooling load calcs, equipment sizing, ductwork/pipework design, schematics, schedules, technical reports, and compliance with Building Regs (Part L, Part F, Part G).
- Using your technical chops - AutoCAD is a must, Revit/BIM is a bonus. You'll also be supporting energy modelling (IES, Energy Pro) and working with the wider design team.
- Leading client and contractor conversations - you'll be front and centre in design meetings, presenting technical solutions, and making sure everyone's on the same page.
- Mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers as the team grows around you.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (BEng or equivalent) - needs to be UK-recognised.
- Heat pump expertise - you've designed and integrated heat pump systems (hybrid, low-temp heating, commercial/public sector applications).
- HVAC and retrofit experience - you know your way around mechanical systems in commercial, public sector, or mixed-use buildings.
- Technical design skills - competent in detailed design from RIBA Stage 2-5, including heat loss calcs, equipment sizing, pipework/ductwork, and compliance.
- AutoCAD proficiency - you can produce drawings and schedules in your sleep.
- UK Building Regulations knowledge - particularly Part L (energy efficiency) and CIBSE guidance.
- Chartered status (CEng) or working towards it - this is important for sign-off and professional credibility.
Highly Desirable:
- Experience with PSDS, SHDF, or other public sector decarbonisation projects.
- Revit and BIM Level 2 workflows.
- Heat networks and district heating design.
- Energy modelling tools (IES, Energy Pro, DesignBuilder).
- Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and control strategies.
- Experience in Design & Build or traditional procurement routes.
Location: You'll be based in or around Manchester - the office is in Manchester with hybrid working available, but you'll need to be accessible for site visits, client meetings, and collaboration with the team.
What's In It For You?
- Competitive salary - reflective of your experience.
- Genuine career progression - this business is growing fast, and they promote from within.
- Interesting, meaningful work - you'll be working on flagship decarbonisation projects that actually move the needle.
- A brilliant mentor - the Design Leader has been exactly where you are and knows how to develop engineers.
- Hybrid working - flexibility to work from home and the Manchester office.
- Job security - with a 10-year order book, this is a stable, long-term opportunity.
About the Company
Our client is a leading contractor in the renewable energy and decarbonisation space, specialising in heat pumps, district heating, and low-carbon retrofit projects. They've been around for a while, but they're scaling rapidly off the back of the UK's push to Net Zero. They work with local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, housing associations, and private developers to replace outdated gas heating with cutting-edge low-carbon systems. Think heat pumps, heat networks, energy centres, and full building decarbonisation. The culture is collaborative, technically rigorous, and ambitious. They're not interested in box-ticking - they want people who genuinely care about getting the design right and delivering projects that work.
How to Apply
If this sounds like you, let's talk. Send your CV over and I'll give you a call to talk through the role in more detail, answer any questions, and see if it's the right fit.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester employer: tdm recruitment
Join a dynamic and fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact the construction of hundreds of homes each year. This developer not only offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including private healthcare and study support for professional qualifications, but also fosters a culture of growth and development within a well-resourced technical team. With clear pathways for progression and a commitment to training, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in the volume housebuilding sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
✨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 tdm recruitment.
✨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 tdm recruitment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of tdm recruitment 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 Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
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 tdm recruitment and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer 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 tdm recruitment
✨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 tdm recruitment.
✨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 tdm recruitment.
✨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 tdm recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
