Principal Mechanical Engineer - HVAC (Permanent) in Cheshire

The Principal Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the delivery of mechanical engineering activities. The role applies extensive domain knowledge and experience to resolve complex engineering challenges, ensure delivery of high-quality solutions, and guide multi-discipline teams in achieving project objectives. The Principal Mechanical Engineer also mentors less experienced engineers, supports business growth, and upholds the highest standards of safety, quality, and engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Delivery: Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in mechanical engineering, including structural, piping, HVAC, and rotating equipment as applicable. Ensure the technical management of engineering outputs, including production, review, verification, and approval of calculations, analyses, technical reports, specifications, and method statements. Supervise engineers and technical specialists, ensuring work is delivered to agreed scope, quality, and schedule. Ensure that procedures, codes, and standards (e.g., ASME, BS, ISO) are correctly applied in all engineering activities. Lead the most complex mechanical engineering work within the subject area, providing innovative solutions to functional challenges. Contribute to the Learning from Experience (LfE) process during and after projects. Support business development by providing technical input to tenders, estimates, and client presentations.
• Team & Resource Management: Manage multi-discipline teams to ensure timely, safe, and efficient delivery of mechanical engineering work. Plan and organise resources effectively to meet customer and project commitments. Identify and develop capability and skills within the team to meet current and future project requirements. Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance to less experienced engineers, fostering professional growth and technical competence.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and multi-discipline project teams. Liaise with customers to ensure they are fully informed of project progress, technical decisions, and issue resolution. Promote effective cooperation across Engineering and other functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards within the team and immediate area of responsibility. Act as a role model for health, safety, wellbeing, respect, and inclusion, promoting company values and principles. Ensure all team members cooperate fully with company standards regarding safety, ethics, and behaviours.
• Leadership Responsibilities: Leading Self: Demonstrate core principles and foster a culture of safety, integrity, and professional excellence. Leading Others: Own the performance, development, and motivation of team members, providing ongoing communication and feedback. Leading Resources: Ensure effective planning, allocation, and organisation of resources to meet customer and project objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential: Engineering degree (or equivalent qualification) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Significant experience delivering mechanical engineering activities across a variety of projects. Proven experience in managing teams and guiding multi-discipline engineers to deliver complex mechanical engineering outputs. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Desirable: Member of a relevant professional institute or eligible for registration with the Engineering Council. Experience managing mechanical engineering scope for projects from concept design through to full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC). Breadth and depth of experience in commercial, nuclear, or defence projects.

Other Requirements: May be required to travel domestically or internationally to support project and client requirements. Must uphold company policies on ethics, diversity, inclusion, and performance management. Expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, standards, and regulatory requirements.