Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mott MacDonald; Bristol; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee pension contributions matched

Annual bonus schemes

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to contribute to key projects in water and wastewater treatment. Responsibilities include overseeing mechanical design, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring efficient operations. A degree in Mechanical Engineering and chartered status are essential, alongside strong communication and problem-solving abilities. This role offers financial wellbeing benefits like matched pension contributions and health assurance, along with a commitment to learning and professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge of the water and/or wastewater industry.
• Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of mechanical engineering aspects.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Coordinate with design teams and ensure client standards.
• Coordinate with Electrical, Civil, Geotech and Process engineers.

Skills

Chartered Mechanical Engineer or above

Strong knowledge of the water and/or wastewater industry

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Problem‑solving skills

Design coordination

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Mott MacDonald Bentley have been named a capital delivery partner on two multi-million-pound ‘lots’ that will see the company deliver projects across the region through to 2030 - with the potential for a five-year extension into AMP9 thereafter.

Wessex Water serves 2.9 million customers with water and sewerage services across the southwest of England. Set for record investment in AMP8 – more than double that of AMP7 – MMB will bring its strong track record of innovation and direct-delivery to drive a programme of work. We will be delivering schemes located around Bournemouth, Poole and South Dorset area.

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to projects that significantly impact our environment and communities. Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated. You’ll work on projects that make a real difference to our environment and our communities by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment systems.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the mechanical functions throughout the lifecycle of various projects.

The role of a Principal Mechanical Engineer includes:

• Lead and oversee the design, planning, and execution of the mechanical engineering aspects of our projects.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to our mechanical engineers and project teams. Develop knowledge and excellence within the team.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and team members.
• Lead the development of the mechanical design of water and wastewater infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects through the project lifecycle encompassing P&IDs, valve schedules, pumps, tanks, process equipment, above ground pipework, lifting and access steelwork.
• Coordinate with the wider design team of Electrical, Civil, Geotech and Process engineers.
• Work closely with the project teams to ensure applications of client’s asset standards and engage in particular technical discussions on best practice and standards waivers.
• Working closely and collaboratively with the commercial, operational and construction teams to develop efficient, practical and safe solutions throughout design stages, construction and beyond.
• Positively engage with the client, managing relationships and adopting a one‑team approach to supporting them in achieving their aims.

What you’ll need:

• Chartered Mechanical Engineer or above
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Strong knowledge of the water and/or wastewater industry
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, practices, and standards relating to process industries.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet deadlines.

What’s in it for you:

Financial wellbeing

MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.

As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues including our annual bonus schemes.

Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.

Health and wellbeing

A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme.

Access to Life Assurance / Private Medical Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options.

We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.

Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.

Enhanced family and carers leave

Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave.

Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities.

Learning and development

MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast‑tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities.

**Mott MacDonald Bentley are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.**

Other information

This is a Mott MacDonald Bentley role, employed by Mott MacDonald. Mott MacDonald Bentley is a joint venture business, established in 1999 between civil engineering contractor JN Bentley and global management consultancy, Mott MacDonald.

Mott MacDonald Bentley offers fully integrated design and build services to its clients, combining the contracting expertise of JN Bentley and the design specialisms of Mott MacDonald.

This role is employed by Mott MacDonald but will involve working across the joint venture business, both with Mott MacDonald and JN Bentley colleagues.

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs. Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.

We believe that because we care about what we do, we do things better. We know that our people are our most valuable asset, so we are dedicated to investing in them, through our comprehensive training and development schemes, exposure to the wider design and build business and endless opportunities.

We are committed to creating a workplace where our people are safe, have a voice, can reach their full potential, and everyone shares in the rewards.

You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that benefit our communities – from helping to secure water supplies for future generations to protecting homes and businesses from flood risk – our projects make a real difference.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A Mott MacDonald Bentley we welcome applications from all sectors of the community. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace where everyone feels included, has the opportunity to thrive, and is treated with respect.

Even if you don’t meet every requirement for this role but are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply. Find out more about our approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion here: https://www.mottmacbentley.co.uk/people.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier‑free and as inclusive as possible. This includes making adjustments during the job application process and throughout your future career with us. Please call 01756 691572 or email [e-mail] to discuss any such adjustments that we can make. You can read more about our Equal Opportunities Policy here: Equality, diversity and inclusion - Mott MacDonald.

Agile working

We are committed to providing a flexible and agile working environment that supports both our employees and the needs of the business.