Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water)

RPS Group; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Warrington seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water) to oversee innovative projects aimed at improving river health. Candidates should possess strong mechanical engineering principles, ideally in the water industry, and be experienced in pump design. This role offers opportunities for career progression and collaboration in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Career development plan

Supportive work environment

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience producing technical specifications for water projects.
• Familiarity with collaborative planning and safety assessments.
• Strong communication skills for presenting technical information.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all project phases from feasibility to construction support.
• Engage with project managers and stakeholders for project delivery.
• Support and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Experience in the water industry

Pump design and specifications

AutoCAD

Team development support

Education

IMechE-accredited degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Water), Warrington

Client: RPS Group

Location: Warrington, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 8d98a0616acf

Job Views: 14

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 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 projects. As we approach AMP8, this is an exciting time to work in the water industry, supporting sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives.

Within 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 delivering Asset Management and Operational Strategy services to water industry clients. We work on challenging and innovative projects across the UK water sector, with long-term frameworks in place.

Our water consultancy has a strong portfolio of AMP8 programmes leading into AMP9 and beyond, offering long-term career development opportunities.

About You:

You should have experience producing technical specifications, designing pumping and aeration systems, and preparing reports. Familiarity with collaborative planning, design reviews, and safety assessments like HAZOPs is essential.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, produce detailed design outputs, and understand water and wastewater treatment processes. Strong communication skills and the ability to present technical information are required.

Joining us means contributing to impactful projects, working with leading water companies, and leaving a legacy in the UK water industry.

Your Responsibilities:

• Participate in all project phases from feasibility to construction support, including site surveys.
• Work on various projects across long-term frameworks with UK water companies.
• Engage with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support and mentor junior team members.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and reports.
• Understand technical drawings using AutoCAD or Inventor.
• Conduct asset condition surveys and prepare related reports.
• Contribute to P&IDs and produce mechanical design deliverables.
• Support compliance with CDM regulations 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.
• Knowledge in pump design, P&IDs, specifications, and safety regulations.
• Familiarity with contract procurement methods, including NEC contracts.
• Ability to manage work within time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Support for junior staff development.
• Willingness to travel to operational and construction sites.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar software is a plus.

Qualifications:

• IMechE-accredited degree, with postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Chartered status or working towards it.
• Membership or application in a professional body like IET, InstMC, or CIWEM.

What’s in it for you?

A clear development plan, career progression, and a supportive environment that values diversity and wellbeing. Be part of innovative projects that make a real difference.

Why RPS?

We promote flexible working, collaboration, and social connection. Our hybrid work model supports work-life balance.

About Tetra Tech:

RPS is part of Tetra Tech, a global leader with over 28,000 employees, offering extensive development and project opportunities worldwide.

Join us and make a difference in water management!

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

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embed diversity and inclusion in all our processes, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. We value different perspectives and aim to be 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.