Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible hybrid working

Long-term work program

Job summary

A leading engineering contractor based in Manchester is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical design for water and wastewater treatment projects. This role focuses on delivering complex designs, providing mentorship to engineers, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in the utilities sector, and preference will be given to those with Chartered Engineer status. The position offers competitive compensation and flexible hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Principal or Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role.
• Strong background delivering water or wastewater treatment projects.
• Experience working for a contractor or consultancy in utility infrastructure.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards it.
• Solid understanding of mechanical equipment and installation on treatment works.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design on water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Ensure safe, compliant and buildable mechanical solutions.
• Provide oversight and mentoring to mechanical engineers.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver integrated designs.
• Support project delivery through engagement with clients.
• Contribute to technical standards, best practice and continuous improvement across the framework.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Water or wastewater treatment knowledge

Technical leadership

Mentorship experience

Education

Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards it

Job description

Overview

Water Treatment Projects | Major Engineering Contractor – Manchester-Based | Hybrid & Flexible Working

We’re working with a leading engineering contractor delivering a significant portfolio of water and wastewater treatment projects, and they’re now looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to strengthen their technical capability in the North West.

This is a senior technical role, based out of the Manchester office, with flexible hybrid working. The position plays a key part in leading mechanical design delivery across complex utility projects, while also providing technical leadership and mentorship within the wider engineering team.

The role

• Lead mechanical design on water and wastewater treatment projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
• Take technical ownership of mechanical solutions, ensuring designs are safe, compliant and buildable
• Provide oversight, guidance and mentoring to senior and intermediate mechanical engineers
• Work closely with civil, electrical, process and commissioning teams to deliver fully integrated designs
• Engage with project managers, construction teams and the client to support successful project delivery
• Contribute to technical standards, best practice and continuous improvement across the framework

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a Principal or Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role
• Strong background delivering water or wastewater treatment projects within the utilities sector
• Experience working for a contractor or consultancy involved in utility infrastructure
• Ideally Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or actively working towards it
• Solid understanding of mechanical equipment, installation practices and operational requirements on treatment works

What’s on offer

• Senior technical role within a large, well-established contractor
• Long-term programme of work across major water treatment projects
• Manchester base with flexible hybrid working
• Competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting seniority and responsibility

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer looking to take on a technically influential role within the water sector, with long-term stability and progression.