Associate Mechanical Engineer

HDR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading building engineering firm is looking for an experienced Associate Mechanical Engineer in Manchester, UK. The engineer will focus on HVAC system design for Data Centre facilities and ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards. Candidates should have over 10 years in mechanical system design, strong project management skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in mechanical system design of commercial buildings required.
• Expert Mechanical Engineer chartered preferred.
• Data Centre experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out design from concept to detailed level.
• Ensure all designs are compliant and maintain quality.
• Manage and motivate staff to build high performing teams.

Skills

Mechanical system design

Project management

Team coordination

HVAC engineering

AutoCAD proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Educational qualifications to a degree level or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work with engineering teams to create detailed designs, plans, specifications and estimates for Data Centre/Mission Critical facilities. We have a great opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys working with multidisciplinary teams throughout the entire span of a project, from the initial concept development, through drawings/specifications, to report preparation and equipment sizing and selection, and finally meaningful engagement during the construction contract.

Primary Objectives

• Assist the Group Leader with delivery of projects, with effective use of assisting engineers, maintaining technical quality, professionalism, completing all design activities to programme. Assist the Group Leader with coaching and staff training of engineers in the group.
• Produce detail design and installation design of complete HVAC solutions for Data Centres in conjunction with our Sales, Technical and Project Management teams.
• Manage and develop resources to meet project demands whilst maintaining the highest level of technical excellence and regulatory compliance and work as of the wider multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Carry out engineering concept design through to detailed design.
• Ensure all design projects and reports within the group are technically compliant, to a consistent quality and standard. Maintain regular ‘in house’ design reviews and checks.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff within group to build coherent high performing teams. Set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop staff to optimise their potential.
• Implement and manage QA systems and procedures on all projects.
• Implement Company Health and Safety. Ensure all designs respond to the CDM regulations.
• Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001 are adhered to.

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational qualifications to a degree level or equivalent are desired.
• Expert Mechanical Engineer preferably chartered.
• Data Centre experience is essential.
• Experience, especially in designing and managing projects, minimum 6 years industry experience.
• Managing Mechanical Design throughout all design stages.
• Design Coordination with other stakeholders & disciplines.
• Wide experience of critical systems HVAC engineering and multiples levels of resilience including cooling, ventilation, humidification, fuel oil and flue systems.
• Large scale chilled water and adiabatic cooling systems experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination and project management experience.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Industry

Building Engineering

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Building Mechanical

Job Posting

Feb 6, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.