Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

RPS Group; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water consulting firm in Sheffield is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to optimize innovative water projects. The role requires strong mechanical engineering principles, familiarity with water treatment processes, and the ability to mentor junior staff. With a focus on environmental change, this position offers a clear personal development plan and diverse career pathways. Apply now to make a meaningful impact in the water sector.

Benefits

Personal development plan

Flexible working environment

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience producing technical specifications for water systems.
• Familiarity with collaborative planning and safety assessments.
• Capable of assessing and developing mechanical designs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project life cycles from feasibility to construction support.
• Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Review technical designs and specifications.

Skills

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles

Water industry experience

Knowledge of pump design and specifications

Familiarity with CDM regulations

Ability to manage work within time, cost, and quality constraints

Experience with AutoCAD or similar software

Education

IMechE-accredited degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Chartered status or working towards it

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water), Sheffield

Client: RPS Group

Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 5a671246d828

Job Views: 23

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 the Northwest of England.

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

Under this 10-year framework, RPS will optimize programs, develop solutions, and select the best 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 support to water industry clients. We work on prestigious AMP8 programs leading into AMP9 and beyond, offering long-term career stability.

About You:

You should have experience producing technical specifications, designing pumping and aeration systems, and creating reports. Familiarity with collaborative planning, design reviews, and safety assessments such as HAZOPs is essential. You should understand water and wastewater treatment processes and be capable of assessing and developing mechanical designs for existing infrastructure.

Strong communication skills are required for technical presentations and collaborative design discussions. You will also work closely with senior engineers and mentor junior staff.

Your Responsibilities:

• Participate in project life cycles from feasibility to construction support.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and reports.
• Understand technical drawings, including AutoCAD and Inventor.
• Conduct asset condition surveys and prepare reports.
• Contribute to P&ID development and mechanical design deliverables.
• Support project compliance with CDM regulations and quality assurance procedures.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Water industry experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of pump design, P&ID creation, and specifications.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and procurement methods.
• Ability to manage work within time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Support for junior staff development.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites and witness testing.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar software is a plus.

Qualifications:

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

What’s in it for you?

We offer a personal development plan and clear career pathways, supporting your growth. We value diversity, promote work-life balance through flexible working, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Why RPS?

As part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, we are a global leader with extensive project opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the water sector and develop your career in a supportive, innovative environment.

Join Us:

Be part of a team that makes a difference in water management and environmental sustainability. Apply now and contribute to shaping the future of water services in the UK.