Senior Project Manager in Exeter

The Project Engineer (Mechanical) plays a key role in the delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects including pumping stations, treatment works, mechanical plant installations, and network improvements. This position requires hands-on mechanical engineering experience within the wastewater sector, with responsibility for coordinating all mechanical engineering activities from pre-contract development through to installation, commissioning, and handover. You will ensure technical compliance, commercial alignment, high-quality engineering outcomes, and effective integration with civil, electrical, and ICA disciplines. The role requires strong organisational capability, attention to detail, a collaborative working style, and an ability to maintain progress across multiple work fronts both on and off site. Hybrid working is available, with travel to sites and the Exeter office when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering input across all project stages—feasibility, outline design, detailed design, procurement, delivery, commissioning, and handover.
• Review and interpret specifications, mechanical design drawings, P&IDs, datasheets, and supplier documentation.
• Vet mechanical procurement packages to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and value for money.
• Ensure mechanical systems integrate correctly into the wider treatment works and associated infrastructure.
• Oversee the production of mechanical drawings, plant layouts, and prefabrication requirements to ensure coordination and constructability.

Pre-Construction & Procurement

• Support the preparation of mechanical technical submissions and coordinate responses to supplier clarifications.
• Work closely with the commercial team to procure all mechanical elements, with particular focus on offsite manufacturing, modularisation, and efficient mechanical assembly strategies.
• Ensure company process documentation and quality management requirements are adhered to during design and procurement phases.

Construction, Installation & Commissioning

• Support the Site Manager, Site Agent, and General Foreman with all mechanical installation matters.
• Monitor and record labour and material usage for prefabricated and on-site mechanical works.
• Conduct regular audits of productivity and support the completion of productivity reporting with site management.
• Participate in factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), quality inspections, and mechanical audits.
• Monitor site progress to ensure mechanical installations meet programme requirements, budgets, and technical expectations.
• Assist in developing commissioning plans and provide mechanical support during system testing and client handover.

Coordination, Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with civil, electrical, ICA, and process teams to ensure mechanical elements interface correctly.
• Attend and contribute to internal and external design, planning, and progress meetings.
• Conduct monthly project reviews and monthly subcontractor performance reviews alongside site management.
• Represent the company professionally when dealing with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Technical Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure adherence to Health, Safety & Environmental systems and contribute to Safe by Design principles.
• Maintain compliance with WIMES, Water Authority standards, BS/EN codes, DWI considerations, and other industry regulations.
• Support CDM compliance, risk assessments, method statements, and quality assurance procedures.
• Maintain accurate project records, including mechanical design changes, installation records, testing logs, and O&M documentation.

Team Culture & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment that supports wellbeing and high performance.
• Support and mentor junior members of the engineering team when required.
• Promote the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), lean principles, production thinking, and efficiency improvements across mechanical work packages.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mechanical engineering within the water/wastewater industry.
• CSCS card (appropriate level).
• SSSTS minimum (SMSTS preferred).
• Strong understanding of civil, mechanical, and electrical interfaces within wastewater infrastructure.
• Experience of both pre-production and site-based mechanical engineering delivery.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to support quantity surveying and cost management activities.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet challenging deadlines.
• Experience working within NEC contract environments.
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to use company systems and project software.
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit clients, colleagues, and subcontractors.

Desirable

• Experience with MMC, lean construction, and modularisation strategies.
• Understanding of BIM, digital engineering tools, and 3D model coordination.
• First Aid at Work qualification.
• Experience with AMP frameworks for water companies.
• Experience in factory inspections, quality audits, and mechanical testing regimes.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as: Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner), Dental Insurance, Travel insurance, Cycle to work scheme, Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment. It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application. We are proud to announce that we have retained our Investors in Diversity Silver Award.

Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks. Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence. We look forward to receiving your application!