Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

idibu; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water engineering firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovation in water and wastewater projects. The role involves setting technical requirements, leading design development, and supporting technology advancements. Candidates should have a Mechanical Engineering degree and relevant experience in the sector. This position offers a salary between £65,000 and £80,000, a car allowance, and various benefits including private medical care.

Benefits

26 days holiday, increasing to 30

Annual bonus

Performance-related pay

Private medical health care

Car allowance

Health and wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in mechanical engineering with relevant charter.
• Experience in sludge digestion, biogas, CHP systems, water treatment, and pumps.
• Prior experience in lead design engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Set precise technical requirements for projects.
• Refine Technical Asset Standards for efficiency.
• Lead development of designs for water and wastewater sectors.
• Support innovative technologies through research.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering background

Understanding of regulatory environment

Exposure to lead design engineering roles

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Lead the Future of Water Engineering – Become Our Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Are you ready to shape the future of water and wastewater infrastructure? As ourPrincipal Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll take the lead in driving innovation, setting engineering standards, and mentoring a talented team of professionals. This is more than a technical role — it’s a strategic opportunity to become the ‘Intelligent Client’ at the heart of our AMP8 ambitions and beyond.

Your expertise will be pivotal in delivering sustainable, high-performing assets that make a real difference to communities and the environment.

What you’ll be doing as a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

• Set precise technical requirements with Project Definition Briefs for strong project foundations.
• Refine Technical Asset Standards to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Uphold engineering standards in Mechanical Engineering to optimise asset performance.
• Lead the development of innovative designs for the water and wastewater sectors.
• Inspire teams on mechanically focused projects, driving meaningful change.
• Achieve technical sign-off and assurance for seamless project handover.
• Support the advancement of innovative technologies through research.

Hybrid – Clearwater Court, Reading, you will be required to attend the office or site 3-4 days a week.

36 hours a week.

This position requires the candidate to have access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license. Additionally, there is a car allowance of £5,800 included.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

• Be degree qualified or equivalent in mechanical engineering with a charter through a relevant awarding body.
• A Mechanical Engineering background in one or more sludge digestion and treatment, biogas and CHP systems, water and wastewater treatment, pumps/piping systems, or process equipment is essential.
• Understand the regulatory environment to comply with our engineering regulatory requirements.
• Had exposure to lead design engineering roles.

Additional skills and experiences would be excellent to have/bring:

• Previous experience in the water industry.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £65,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, plus a £5,800 car allowance.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance.
• Annual Bonus.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.