Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Pertemps Specialist Talent Solutions; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to oversee mechanical systems for water and wastewater projects in Reading. This role involves driving project requirements, providing technical leadership, and mentoring engineering teams. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, possess chartered status, and have significant experience in the water sector. The role offers a salary of £60,000 - £80,000 along with additional benefits including a car allowance and annual leave.

Benefits

£5,800 car allowance

Annual bonus

Private medical healthcare

26 days annual leave

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Chartered status through a recognised professional body.
• Strong background in sludge treatment and water treatment systems.
• Previous lead design engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Shape project requirements and drive engineering quality.
• Lead design and assurance of mechanical systems.
• Provide mentorship to engineering teams.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering fundamentals

Technical leadership

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Project management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered status

Job description

Job title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - Water Sector
Location: Reading
Hours: 36 hours per week (Hybrid working available)
Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + £5,800 car allowance

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to take a leading role within a forward‑thinking organisation supporting major water and wastewater infrastructure programmes. This position offers the chance to influence engineering strategy, guide standards, and provide expert leadership across technically challenging projects, while contributing to sustainable asset delivery and innovation in the sector.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will act as a senior technical authority for mechanical engineering, responsible for shaping project requirements, driving engineering quality, and delivering robust solutions. Key responsibilities include:

• Defining clear and accurate technical requirements to support effective project delivery
• Enhancing mechanical asset standards to improve performance and efficiency
• Leading the design and assurance of mechanical systems within water and wastewater environments
• Overseeing technically focused projects and providing mentorship to engineering teams
• Providing technical sign‑off and assurance throughout project lifecycle stages
• Supporting the evaluation and introduction of new technologies

First Off - What's In It For You?

• £65,000 - £80,000 depending on experience, plus £5,800 car allowance
• Annual bonus and performance‑linked reward scheme
• 26 days annual leave (rising with length of service) plus bank holidays
• Private medical healthcare and wellbeing support
• Additional benefits including life assurance, professional support schemes, and various employee incentives

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering
• Chartered status through a recognised professional body
• Strong background in relevant disciplines such as sludge treatment, biogas/CHP, water and wastewater treatment systems, pumping and pipework, or process equipment
• Previous involvement in senior or lead design engineering positions
• Good understanding of regulatory compliance within the UK water industry
• Experience within the water sector will be an advantage

Interested? Please click 'apply' to find out more