Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Thames Water Utilities Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK water company is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead innovation and engineering standards in the water and wastewater sectors. You will refine technical requirements and inspire teams on key projects while offering a competitive salary between GBP65,000 to GBP80,000, plus a GBP5,800 car allowance. Join us in shaping sustainable solutions and support diverse team dynamics in a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday, increasing to 30

Annual Bonus

Private Medical Health Care

Cycle to Work schemes

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in mechanical engineering.
• Background in sludge digestion and treatment, biogas systems.
• Experience leading design engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Set technical requirements for project foundations.
• Refine Technical Asset Standards.
• Lead development of innovative designs.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering background in sludge digestion and treatment

Knowledge of biogas and CHP systems

Experience in water and wastewater treatment

Pumps/piping systems expertise

Innovative design skills

Education

Degree qualified in mechanical engineering

Job description

Job title Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Ref 42570 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Hybrid – Clearwater Court – RG1 8DB Contract type Permanent Full/Part–time Full–time Salary Offering between GBP65,000 to GBP80,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate plus GBP5.8k car allowance Job grade C Closing date 01/10/2025

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 our Principal 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 GBP5,800 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 GBP65,000 to GBP80,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, plus GBP5.8k car allowance.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Annual Bonus.
• 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.

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.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We're committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that's extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we're here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

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.