Plant Mechanical Engineer

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainable technology firm is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join their team. This unique role offers international exposure, starting in Auckland, New Zealand, before relocating to the UK. The successful candidate will contribute to a sustainable, onshore circular battery supply chain for electric vehicles, developing plant layouts and supporting engineering design tasks. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification engineering design experience.
• Preferably registered as an Emerging Professional with a recognised Engineering body.
• Experience in hydrometallurgical process scale-up or plant design is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical plant layouts and equipment designs.
• Prepare engineering calculations, specifications, and datasheets.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, and risk assessments.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Hands-on approach

Education

BE (Hons) or BTech in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

BIM systems

Job description

Overview

This is a rare opportunity to spend up to 18 months in Auckland, New Zealand, before relocating to the West Midlands, UK. Ideal for an experienced professional seeking international exposure, this role offers the chance to apply your expertise in a new market, build cross-cultural leadership skills, and gain global best-practice experience while enjoying a unique personal adventure.

An innovative organisation is embarking on an exciting new chapter, leading a landmark collaborative R&D project co-funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). In partnership with leading automotive, recycling, and academic institutions, the company is developing a sustainable, onshore circular battery supply chain for electric vehicles. As part of this initiative, it is designing, building, and operating a demonstration-scale, low-carbon hydrometallurgical facility to refine black mass recovered from lithium-ion batteries. The role will be supporting this demonstration-scale facility that processes black mass into refined metal salt outputs, giving successful candidates the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge innovation with lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical plant layouts, equipment designs, and supporting infrastructure.
• Prepare engineering calculations, equipment specifications, datasheets, and BOMs.
• Provide guidance on CAD / BIM systems, 3D modelling, and drawing development.
• Assist with plant scoping, cost estimation, and integration of procured equipment.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, risk assessments, and ensure safe, operable designs.
• Support plant commissioning, troubleshooting, and post-installation documentation.

Qualifications

• BE (Hons) or BTech degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Preferably registered as an Emerging Professional with a recognised Engineering body.
• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification engineering design experience.
• Experience in hydrometallurgical process scale-up or plant design is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on, practical approach with proficiency in engineering software and general computer use.

If you\'re a hands-on, innovative Mechanical Engineer ready to gain international experience and work on sustainable, cutting-edge technology, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team and make a real-world impact.