At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for water and wastewater projects, from concept to commissioning.
- Company: AFECO, a forward-thinking engineering services provider in the water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential water projects while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the water sector required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent in-house engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process-led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions.
Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation.
Role Purpose
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the mechanical design of water and wastewater treatment assets across the project lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to construction support and commissioning. The role requires strong technical capability, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Design & Delivery
- Lead mechanical design activities for water and wastewater treatment projects, including pumping stations, treatment works, pipelines, and associated infrastructure.
- Produce and review mechanical designs, calculations, specifications, schedules, and drawings.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, legislation, client specifications, and health & safety requirements.
- Undertake optioneering and value engineering to balance cost, performance, risk, and operability.
- Support constructability, commissioning, and handover activities.
- Equipment & Systems
- Specify, size, and select mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, screens, blowers, mixers, and mechanical treatment processes.
- Review supplier technical submissions and manage technical interfaces with vendors.
- Assess whole-life cost, reliability, and maintainability of mechanical systems.
- Project & Stakeholder Interface
- Work closely with process, civil, electrical, and ICA engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
- Liaise with clients, contractors, suppliers, and operations teams.
- Provide technical input during design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP, and risk workshops.
- Mentor and technically support graduate and intermediate engineers.
- Review and approve work produced by others.
- Contribute to the development of internal standards, best practices, and lessons learned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Significant experience in the water or wastewater sector.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment used in water treatment and conveyance.
- Experience delivering designs through concept, detailed design, and construction stages.
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g. ISO, BS, EN, WIMES, client standards).
- Experience working on regulated water frameworks.
- Site experience including commissioning or construction support.
- Knowledge of asset management and whole-life cost analysis.
- Experience with NEC or other engineering contracts.
Technical Skills
- Mechanical design and specification.
- Pumping system design and hydraulics (desirable).
- Design risk assessment and CDM compliance.
- 2D/3D CAD tools (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
Mechanical Design Engineer employer: United Infrastructure
AFECO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth within our multi-disciplinary teams, all while working on impactful projects that contribute to the water industry across the South of England and Midlands. Our commitment to quality and safety, combined with a supportive culture, makes AFECO a rewarding place to advance your career as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in water and wastewater projects. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your mechanical design projects, including any innovative solutions you've developed. This will give you an edge during interviews and help us see your capabilities in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on relevant standards and regulations in the water sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with mechanical equipment and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at AFECO.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in water and wastewater projects, and don’t forget to mention any relevant technical skills or software you’re familiar with, like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the water industry and how your background aligns with AFECO's values. Be sure to mention any mentoring experience you have, as that’s a key part of the role.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on similar projects before, make sure to showcase them! Include specific examples of your contributions to mechanical design activities, and how you’ve collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Infrastructure
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially related to water and wastewater treatment. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and systems mentioned in the job description, like pumps and valves. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past projects in detail, particularly those that align with the role's responsibilities. Be ready to explain your design process, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your technical capability and problem-solving skills.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since the role involves working with multi-disciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders, as this is crucial for delivering integrated solutions.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about AFECO’s projects, team dynamics, or their approach to innovation in mechanical design. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation during the interview.
