Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

RPS Group; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Birmingham seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for water projects. You will oversee the full project lifecycle, from feasibility to design and construction support, collaborating with major UK water companies. Ideal candidates will hold an accredited degree and have expertise in mechanical engineering principles and pump design. This role offers a clear career pathway and the chance to work on impactful projects in water management.

Benefits

Personal development plan

Flexible working

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Experience producing technical outputs including specifications and reports.
• Familiarity with collaborative planning and design reviews.
• Understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Involvement in full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design.
• Support and mentor junior team members.
• Prepare mechanical design deliverables.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Pump system design

P&IDs

Safety regulations

AutoCAD

Education

IMechE accredited degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water), Birmingham

Client:

RPS Group

Location:

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

1b00daebf1a9

Job Views:

19

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

Job Description:

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

We are recruiting multiple Principal Mechanical Design Engineers (Water) for long-term frameworks across the UK, including a £100 million framework with United Utilities to improve river health in Northwest England.

RPS has over 20 years of collaboration with United Utilities on innovative projects. As we approach AMP8, this is an exciting time to work in the water industry, creating positive change.

Under this 10-year framework, RPS will optimize programs, develop solutions, and select the best options based on value, low carbon, and cost, aiming to deliver exceptional water services and foster a resilient, eco-friendly Northwest.

About The Team:

RPS Water Consulting comprises Engineers, Modellers, and Data Analysts providing Asset Management and Operational Strategy services to water industry clients, supporting business planning and delivery. The industry offers challenges and opportunities requiring innovation, dedication, and teamwork.

We also work with major water companies across the UK, with a broad portfolio of long-term frameworks. Our water consultancy has prestigious AMP8 programs leading into AMP9 and beyond, securing careers for the next 20 years and leaving a lasting legacy.

About You:

You will have experience producing technical outputs such as specifications, pump system designs, schedules, and reports, and be familiar with collaborative planning and design reviews.

You can provide engineering input in collaboration with other disciplines, including General Arrangement Drawings, 3D models, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams.

Strong communication skills are essential for delivering technical presentations and participating in design discussions, safety reviews, and workshops such as HAZOPs and ALMs.

You understand water and wastewater treatment processes and can assess existing site infrastructure to develop mechanical designs.

Joining us means working on impactful projects, collaborating with leading minds, and making a positive impact on communities, with opportunities to work with the largest water companies in the region.

Your Responsibilities:

• Involvement in the full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design and construction support.
• Work on diverse projects across long-term frameworks with UK water companies.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical leaders, clients, supply chain partners, and contractors.
• Support and mentor junior team members.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and reports.
• Engage with clients to understand project requirements.
• Interpret technical drawings using AutoCAD or Inventor.
• Undertake asset condition surveys and produce reports.
• Contribute to P&ID development.
• Prepare mechanical design deliverables, including calculations, reports, specifications, datasheets, drawings, and procurement documents.
• Support compliance with CDM duties and produce design risk assessments.
• Ensure Quality Assurance procedures are followed.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience in the water industry is advantageous.
• Proficiency or awareness in pump system design, P&IDs, specifications, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of contract procurement methods, including NEC (ECC).
• Ability to manage work within time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Support for junior staff development.
• Willingness to travel and inspect operational and construction sites.
• Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD is beneficial but not essential.

Qualifications:

• An IMechE accredited degree; postgraduate qualifications are a plus.
• Chartered status or working towards it for senior/principal roles.
• Membership or nearing membership with a professional body such as IET, InstMC, or CIWEM.

What’s in it for you?

A personal development plan and clear career pathway, supported growth, and a diverse, inclusive workplace that values wellbeing and innovation.

Why RPS?

Flexible working, collaborative environment, and opportunities for global projects as part of Tetra Tech, a leading consulting and engineering firm with over 28,000 employees worldwide.

Join us and make a difference in the future of water!

#LI-MM1 #LI-REMOTE #LI-HYBRID