Principal Mechanical Engineer

WSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Birmingham to lead mechanical design for process industries, with emphasis on fine chemicals, food and pharma sectors.

You will report to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, be mainly office-based with some site work, and may travel within the UK and overseas.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering is required.
• Chartered Engineer status is desirable.
• Experience in mechanical design for process industries (pharma/food/fine chemicals) is essential.
• Knowledge of CAD and 3D modelling software is required.
• Experience with pipe stress analysis and piping design codes is expected.
• Construction site experience on process industry projects is advantageous.
• Experience leading/designing teams and coordinating engineers is needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead as Mechanical Engineer on projects, controlling delivery, cost, and schedule.
• Perform design, calculations, and prepare specifications and datasheets.
• Assist with flowsheets and engineering lines diagrams.
• Supervise plant layout and piping design, including 3D modelling.
• Prepare input for cost estimates and resource forecasts.
• Provide site support during construction and commissioning.
• Carry out design studies and safety reviews, including designers risk assessments.
• Coordinate with multiple disciplines and manage design teams.
• Ensure conformance with regulatory standards and company procedures.
• Line manage graduate engineers and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Client liaison

Construction site experience

Process industry experience

Education

Degree qualified in mechanical engineering (BEng, BSc, MEng)

Chartered Engineer (desirable)

Tools

CAD & 3D modelling

Caesar II or equivalent

Piping design codes: ASME B31.3 / BS EN 13480

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer

WSP are looking to provide expertise in mechanical engineering with particular emphasis on fine chemicals and the process related industries. Knowledge of Food & Pharmaceutical sectors is beneficial.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will report to the Mechanical Engineering Manager based in Birmingham. This role will be mainly office based with some site based assignments. Some UK and overseas travel may be required.

Applying technical judgment and resourcefulness to investigations, feasibility studies, concept and scheme designs, detailed design and construction support phase of projects.

Responsibilities

Delivering Mechanical engineering and design solutions to meet project needs, including:

• To operate as Lead Mechanical Engineer on selected projects, controlling technical delivery, costs, changes and programme at all stages of projects
• Design, engineering, calculations, specifications
• Assist with preparation of flowsheets and engineering line diagrams
• Supervise plant layout and pipework design including 3D modelling
• Generate and supervise preparation of data sheets, piping and equipment specifications, technical appraisals and selection.
• Site support during construction and commissioning including field engineering assignments
• Design studies, safety reviews, Designers Risk Assessments
• Co-ordination with all other disciplines
• Preparation of cost estimates
• Preparation and maintenance of man‑hour and resources forecasts
• Preparation of/input to design programmes
• Reviewing designs & proposals for conformance with applicable regulatory standards, policies, and codes of practice
• Comply with the company's quality and safety procedures
• Line management / supervision of graduate engineers

Skills and Experience

• Experience of mechanical design engineering in process related industries
• Specific expertise in the design, layout, engineering and specification of process plant and piping for the pharmaceuticals, food and fine chemicals industries
• Experience within the contracting industries and/or a process plant operator would be beneficial
• Knowledge of CAD and 3D modelling software
• Pipe Stress Analysis (Caesar II or equivalent)
• Pipe support design and specification
• Piping design codes e.g. ASME B31.3/BSEN13480
• PER/ATEX/CDM
• Construction site experience on process industry projects
• Experience managing/co‑ordinating design and engineering teams

Personal Profile

• A leader capable of drawing the best out of a team
• Organised logical thinker, open to new ideas and having pride in the work done
• Confident and articulate, with clients and with peers
• Has a desire to find both the appropriate technical solution, and value for money for our customers
• Professional flexible approach to meeting the needs of our customers.
• Able to work within a team and be able to maintain formal and informal client contacts
• Interpersonal skills to work as part of a multi-discipline team
• 10 years or more of relevant mechanical engineering experience

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in mechanical engineering (BEng, BSc, MEng)
• Chartered Engineer, MIMechE desirable