Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

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

Job summary

A leading water consulting firm in Manchester is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to manage impactful projects in the water sector. Candidates should have a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles and experience in the water industry, particularly in pump design and P&ID creation. The role offers opportunities for personal development, flexible working, and collaboration with leading professionals in the field.

Benefits

Personal development plans

Clear career pathways

Flexible working options

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Engage in project lifecycle activities from feasibility to construction support.
• Collaborate with project managers and technical leaders.
• Prepare mechanical design deliverables and procurement documentation.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Water industry knowledge

Pump design

P&ID creation

AutoCAD proficiency

Education

IMechE-accredited degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water), Manchester

Client: RPS Group

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 530f861dc722

Job Views: 10

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. As we approach AMP8, this is an exciting period for the water industry, offering opportunities to create positive change.

Within this 10-year framework, RPS will focus on program optimization, developing solutions, and selecting options based on value, low carbon footprint, 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 across UK frameworks. The industry offers ongoing challenges and opportunities requiring innovation and teamwork.

We also work with other major water companies, managing long-term framework agreements, leading into AMP8 and beyond, ensuring long-term career stability and impact.

About You:

You should have experience producing technical outputs like specifications, pump and aeration system designs, schedules, and reports, and be familiar with collaborative planning and design reviews.

You will provide engineering input for design outputs such as General Arrangement Drawings, 3D models, and P&ID diagrams, and communicate effectively with clients and team members, including delivering technical presentations and participating in safety reviews like HAZOPs and ALMs.

Understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes and experience in assessing existing infrastructure for mechanical design are essential.

Joining us means working on impactful projects, collaborating with leading professionals, and leaving a legacy in the UK water sector.

Your Responsibilities:

• Engage in project lifecycle activities from feasibility to construction support, including site surveys.
• Work on diverse projects across UK frameworks with water companies.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical leaders, clients, and contractors to achieve project goals.
• Support and mentor junior team members.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and reports.
• Understand technical drawings with AutoCAD or Inventor.
• Conduct asset condition surveys and prepare reports.
• Contribute to P&ID production.
• Prepare mechanical design deliverables and procurement documentation.
• Support compliance with CDM duties and quality assurance procedures.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience in the water industry is advantageous.
• Knowledge of pump design, P&ID creation, specifications, and safety regulations.
• Familiarity with contract procurement methods like NEC.
• Ability to manage work within time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Support for junior staff development.
• Willingness to travel and inspect sites as needed.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar software is a plus.

Qualifications:

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

What’s in it for you?

Personal development plans, clear career pathways, and a supportive environment to grow your career.

We value diversity, encourage different perspectives, and prioritize wellbeing. Join us to make a meaningful impact in water management and community wellbeing.

Why RPS?

We promote flexible working, collaboration, and social connection, with hybrid and agile working options to suit your needs.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech company:

Since January 2023, RPS is part of Tetra Tech, a global leader with over 28,000 employees. We offer excellent development and project opportunities to solve complex challenges worldwide.

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

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

Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, embedding these principles in all our processes to attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds.

Our core behavior 'Stronger Together' emphasizes respect, diversity, growth, and collaboration, fostering an inclusive workplace.

Recruitment Agencies:

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