Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Full-Time 55000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Vital Energi Utilities Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative renewable heat projects and mentor a dynamic design team.
  • Company: Join Vital Energi, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunities for innovation in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of renewable energy while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in mechanical design with leadership experience required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer in East Anglia? Do you want to lead the design of pioneering renewable heat projects? Now’s your opportunity to join Vital Energi! Due to a growing pipeline, we are looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead our East Anglia Design Team, based in Cambridgeshire.

About the role

As Principal Engineer, you will take an active role in growing and leading the East Anglian office of our Operational Design department. The team produces a broad range of conceptual to technical design of major district and communal heating systems, energy centres, commercial heat pump retrofits and industrial low‑carbon energy generation systems. The role involves direct leadership of the East Anglia mechanical design team. You will collaborate with design team leaders across the UK, helping to shape our continued growth in the renewable heat market and deliver our industry‑pioneering design solutions.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead the design of distributed energy schemes, energy centres, district heating networks and other major projects
  • Provide mentorship, workload management and technical oversight of direct report design engineers
  • Maintain statutory and regulatory compliance in design processes and deliverables
  • Contribute to our continued innovation in engineering practices, digital design techniques and technology deployment
  • Ensure time, cost and quality outcomes are achieved in design
  • Provide technical support to adjacent project stages, from early pipeline development to construction and commissioning

What you will need:

  • Educated to at least HNC/HND level in Mechanical, Building Services or similar Engineering discipline
  • Membership to an applicable engineering institution
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial building services, industrial heat generation or heat network design
  • Demonstrable team leadership skills, including past experience in direct line management duties
  • Demonstrable design process leadership skills, including the delivery of complex multidisciplinary engineering solutions
  • Extensive knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and industrial design standards

The following attributes could give you an advantage:

  • Bachelor or masters degree in engineering
  • Chartership to an applicable engineering institution
  • Leadership of renewable heat‑led energy centre design
  • Proficiency in standard industrial digital design tools

Applications will be processed within 28 days of receipt. If you have not heard from us within this time period it will mean that your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful. The company is opposed to all forms of discrimination and will select for employment, training and promotion on the basis of suitability for the job and/or merit. It is company policy that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of sex, race, colour, age, ethnic or national origins, political affiliations, religious beliefs, marital status, physical disability or is disadvantaged by unjustifiable conditions or requirements. Applicants must have the unrestricted and ongoing right to work in the UK for the duration of employment, without the need for sponsorship. Due to the nature of this role, we are unable to support visa sponsorship or employ individuals with time‑limited permission or conditions attached to their right to work in the UK.

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Vital Energi Utilities Limited

At Vital Energi, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer committed to sustainability and employee development. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing BMS Commissioning Engineers with opportunities to work on groundbreaking renewable energy projects across the UK. With a comprehensive benefits package, including a company car, pension scheme, and wellness initiatives, joining our team means contributing to a greener future while enjoying a supportive and rewarding work environment.

Vital Energi Utilities Limited

Contact Details:

Vital Energi Utilities Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best design projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Vital Energi, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 4

Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest trends in mechanical design and renewable energy. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to growth and innovation in your field.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineering
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Design Process Leadership
Multidisciplinary Engineering Solutions
Regulatory Compliance
Technical Oversight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in leading design teams and working on renewable heat projects, as this will show us you’re a perfect fit for what we need.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves direct leadership, don’t forget to showcase your team management experience. We want to see how you've mentored others and managed workloads effectively in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vital Energi Utilities Limited

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to mechanical design and renewable energy systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving district heating networks or energy centres. This will show that you not only understand the theory but also have practical experience.

Show Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've mentored others or managed a project successfully. Highlight how you can inspire and guide your team towards achieving their goals.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with Vital Energi's mission and recent projects in the renewable heat sector. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their goals will set you apart. Show enthusiasm for their work and express how you can contribute to their continued innovation.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions about the role and the company. Ask about their approach to new technologies in design or how they envision the growth of the East Anglia office. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged in the opportunity.