At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative waste sector design projects and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Company: Join Wood, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car, generous pension, healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for international assignments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the waste sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical/process engineering and experience in the waste industry.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Wood is currently recruiting for a Senior or Principal Mechanical Engineer in our Knutsford office. The senior level role will suit candidates who are seeking a new challenge with the opportunity to mentor younger engineers and lead their own projects. The principal level role will suit candidates with demonstrable experience in the waste sector; seeking an opportunity to build a team and broaden the company’s expertise. The role will form part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team delivering design and client advisory services in the waste sector. This will include technical assurance of engineering deliverables and, as we expand the team, provide coaching and mentoring to graduate engineers and technicians. The scope of projects ranges from feasibility studies through to detailed design and site delivery; strategic assessment and due diligence; and supporting long term service contract procurements.
As part of your package, we offer the following benefits:
- Support and guidance of development
- Company car or car allowance
- Generous pension package
- Healthcare
- Voluntary Flexible Benefits Scheme (dental insurance, cycle to work scheme, technology benefits, just to name a few!)
- Access to Season Ticket Loan Scheme for travel in and around your base office location.
Key responsibilities
Technical:
- Lead engineer for waste sector design projects
- Participate in proposals, scoping work packages and resourcing/time estimates
- Preparation and/or review of design deliverables including specifications, calculations, reports, datasheets, models, drawings and schedules
- Undertake technical appraisal of tenders
- Undertake asset condition surveys
- Provide input to testing and commissioning of mechanical equipment and installations
- Coach and mentor staff and actively contribute to the technical development of skills throughout the wider team.
Other:
- Promote skills and innovation within the team; and externally with clients and industry contacts
- Support efforts to develop the digital transformation methodology in the delivery and management of projects
- Manage larger multi-disciplinary design projects or work packages that include scheduling and resource planning, coordinating work between different technical disciplines.
Qualifications
Skills / Experience
- Able to communicate clearly in the English language; both verbally and in the production of good quality written documentation using MS Office applications
- Diligent, confident, collaborative and highly motivated; when working as part of project teams
- Able to work accurately, flexibly and to integrate their work with other disciplines, whilst working to schedule and budget constraints
- Ability to prepare and review calculations, reports, drawings and design briefs relating to mechanical and process plant installations
- Able to manage large multi-disciplinary design projects including scheduling and resource planning
- A heightened awareness of personal safety and understanding of the CDM Regulations
- Able to undertake site visits and client meetings across the UK
- Demonstrable expertise in the UK municipal waste industry
Desirable (dependent upon level of experience held by the candidate):
- Flexible and able to undertake international assignments
- Demonstrable expertise in the detailed design of waste treatment facilities
- Experience in review of Energy from Waste plant design
- Experience in review of Anaerobic Digestion plant design
- Experience in review of Materials Recovery Facility plant design
- Experience in commercial and legal aspects of contracting
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in a relevant mechanical/process engineering discipline
- Possession of valid UK driving license
Desirable (Essential for Principal level role):
- Chartered Engineer with IMechE / IChemE / CIWM
Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world’s most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people.
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Wood
Wood is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring legal professionals. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and opportunities for growth in the dynamic energy sector. The hybrid work model in vibrant locations like Aberdeen or Reading further enhances work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨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 Wood.
✨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 Wood love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Wood 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 / Principal Mechanical Engineer
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 Wood and the Senior / Principal Mechanical 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 Wood
✨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 Wood.
✨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 Wood.
✨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 Wood, making you a more appealing candidate.
