Principal Mechanical Engineer

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design and delivery for process projects in fine chemicals, food and pharmaceutical sectors. You will drive technical delivery, costs, changes and programme across all stages of projects.

The role requires extensive experience in process plant piping, CAD/3D modelling, and strong leadership to coordinate multi‑discipline teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in process industries.
• Experience with design, layout, engineering and piping for pharma, food, and fine chemicals.
• Construction site experience on process projects.
• Familiarity with ASME B31.3 / BS EN 13480 and related codes.
• Knowledge of PER/ATEX/CDM.
• Experience leading design and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering on projects, controlling delivery, costs and programme.
• Design, engineering, calculations and specifications.
• Assist with flowsheets and engineering line diagrams.
• Supervise plant layout and pipework design including 3D modelling.
• Generate and supervise data sheets, piping and equipment specifications.
• Provide site support during construction and commissioning.
• Conduct design studies, safety reviews and Designers Risk Assessments.
• Coordinate with other disciplines.
• Prepare cost estimates and resource forecasts.
• Contribute to design programmes.
• Review designs for conformance with standards and procedures.
• Line-manage and supervise graduate engineers.

Skills

Mechanical design

Process piping

3D modelling

Caesar II

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer desirable

Tools

CAD software

3D modelling software

Caesar II

Piping design software

Job description

Job Summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical engineering design and delivery for process projects in fine chemicals, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering on selected projects, controlling technical delivery, costs, changes and programme at all stages of projects
• Design, engineering, calculations and 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
• Provide site support during construction and commissioning, including field engineering assignments
• Conduct design studies, safety reviews and Designers Risk Assessments
• Coordinate with all other disciplines
• Prepare cost estimates
• Prepare and maintain man‑hour and resource forecasts
• Prepare and contribute to design programmes
• Review designs & proposals for conformance with applicable regulatory standards, policies, and codes of practice
• Comply with the company’s quality and safety procedures
• Line‑manage and supervise graduate engineers

Key Experience and Knowledge

• 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
• Familiarity with piping design codes e.g. ASME B31.3/BS EN 13480
• Knowledge of PER/ATEX/CDM
• Construction site experience on process industry projects
• Experience managing or coordinating 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 customers
• Professional flexible approach to meeting the needs of customers
• Able to work within a team and 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 or MIMechE desirable