Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead engineering projects in Reading. This role involves leading a team, optimizing processes, and ensuring project success while promoting innovative solutions in the water and wastewater sectors. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement in a diverse work environment.

Benefits

Car Allowance

26 days holiday per year

Private Medical Health Care

Annual Bonus

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
• Background in sludge digestion, biogas and CHP systems, or water treatment.
• Exposure to lead design engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dynamic team of engineers towards project goals.
• Define technical requirements and refine asset standards.
• Develop innovative designs for the water sector.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Team Leadership

Process Optimization

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, Reading

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Client:

Thames Water

Location:

Reading, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

381c68d3cd5b

Job Views:

6

Posted:

22.06.2025

Expiry Date:

06.08.2025

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Job Description:

As the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you have a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team of engineers. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the ‘Intelligent Client’ that will propel us towards our ambitious AMP8 goals and beyond. Your expertise in Mechanical Engineering is essential for the success of our projects.

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

• 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, orprocess equipment is essential.
• Understand the regulatory environment to comply with our engineering regulatory requirements.
• Had exposure to lead design engineering roles.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £65,000 to £90,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance.
• 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.

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

Working at Thames Water

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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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.

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

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive
place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.

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, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

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.