Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

RPS Group; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water consulting firm is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in London. The role involves participating in project lifecycles, mentoring junior staff, and applying strong mechanical engineering principles. An IMechE accredited degree and experience in the water industry are essential. The firm offers clear career development and flexible working options.

Benefits

Clear career development

Diverse and inclusive environment

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience producing technical specifications and designing pumping systems.
• Familiarity with water treatment processes.
• Chartered or working towards chartership.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project lifecycle from feasibility to construction support.
• Mentor junior staff and review technical designs.
• Coordinate with project teams and stakeholders to ensure project success.

Skills

Strong mechanical engineering principles

Proficiency in pump design

Communication skills

Knowledge of CDM regulations

Education

IMechE accredited degree

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water), London

Client:

RPS Group

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

d47b5197afc3

Job Views:

15

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 major 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 water projects. As we approach AMP8, this is an exciting phase to impact the water industry positively.

Under this 10-year framework, RPS will optimize programs, develop solutions, and select the best options based on value, carbon footprint, and cost, aiming to deliver exceptional water services in the Northwest.

About The Team:

RPS Water Consulting comprises Engineers, Modellers, and Data Analysts providing Asset Management and Operational Strategy to water industry clients. We work on challenging, innovative projects across the UK water sector.

Our portfolio includes long-term frameworks with several major water companies, leading into AMP8 and beyond, offering long-term career stability and legacy opportunities.

About You:

You should have experience producing technical specifications, designing pumping and aeration systems, and collaborating on design reviews. You will provide engineering input, such as General Arrangement Drawings, 3D models, and P&ID diagrams.

Strong communication skills are essential for delivering technical presentations and participating in design workshops, safety reviews, HAZOPs, and ALMs. Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and infrastructure assessment is required.

Joining us means working on impactful projects with leading organizations, contributing to community well-being, and leaving a lasting legacy. If you are ready to bring your expertise to a dynamic environment, we invite you to apply.

Your Responsibilities:

• Participate in all project phases from feasibility to construction support, including site surveys.
• Work on various projects under long-term frameworks with UK water companies.
• Liaise with project stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Support project delivery alongside senior engineers and team members.
• Mentor junior staff and support team development.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and reports.
• Engage with clients to understand project requirements.
• Interpret technical drawings using AutoCAD or Inventor.
• Conduct asset condition surveys and prepare reports.
• Contribute to P&ID production.
• Prepare mechanical design deliverables, including calculations, reports, and procurement documents.
• Support compliance with CDM duties and produce risk assessments.
• Follow Quality Assurance procedures.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience in the water industry is advantageous.
• Proficiency in pump design, P&ID creation, specifications, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of procurement methods like NEC contracts.
• Ability to manage tasks within time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Support junior staff development.
• Willingness to travel and inspect sites safely.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar software is a plus but not essential.

Qualifications:

• IMechE-accredited degree; postgraduate qualifications are a plus.
• Chartered status or working towards it.
• Membership or application in professional bodies like IET, InstMC, or CIWEM.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a personal development plan, clear career pathways, and a diverse, supportive environment prioritizing wellbeing and innovation.

Why RPS?

We promote flexible working, collaboration, and social connection, with hybrid working options as standard, fostering a balanced work environment.

RPS, A Tetra Tech company:

Since becoming part of Tetra Tech in January 2023, RPS benefits from a global network of over 28,000 employees, offering extensive development and project opportunities worldwide.

Join us and make a difference in water’s future!

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

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embed diversity and inclusion in all processes, valuing different perspectives to attract and retain top talent. Our core behaviour, ‘Stronger Together,’ emphasizes respect, diversity, and mutual growth.

Recruitment Agencies

We work with trusted partners and do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies not on our approved list. Visit our careers page for more info.