Principal Mechanical Engineer

Advance TRS; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance TRS is seeking a Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer for the Exeter area on a hybrid basis. The role focuses on delivering major water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the UK, balancing hands‑on technical work with leadership responsibilities.

You will guide the mechanical design, act as discipline lead on multidisciplinary schemes, and provide oversight of designs, calculations and specifications while mentoring engineers and supporting client relationships.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered status or working towards Chartership is expected.
• Significant experience delivering mechanical design in the UK water sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and technical delivery of water and wastewater projects.
• Act as the mechanical discipline lead on multidisciplinary schemes.
• Provide technical oversight, reviewing designs, calculations and specifications.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered engineer (CEng)

Tools

CAD

Revit

BIM

Job description

Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer - Water

Location: Exeter (Hybrid)

Salary: Up to £75,000 + Excellent Benefits

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer to join a leading engineering consultancy delivering major water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the UK.

This is a senior role offering a balance of technical delivery (60-70%) and leadership/management responsibilities (30-40%). You'll provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary water projects while mentoring engineers, supporting project delivery and helping to grow and develop the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and technical delivery of water and wastewater projects.
• Act as the mechanical discipline lead on multidisciplinary schemes.
• Provide technical oversight, reviewing and approving designs, calculations and specifications.
• Mentor, coach and develop engineers and technicians within the team.
• Support resource planning, project delivery and technical quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Promote best practice in health & safety, sustainability and engineering excellence.

About You

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Chartered (or working towards Chartership).
• Significant experience delivering mechanical design within the UK water sector.
• Strong understanding of pumping systems, treatment processes, mechanical plant and associated equipment.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and mentoring engineers.
• Knowledge of CAD/Revit and BIM principles is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £75,000.
• Hybrid working from the Exeter office.
• Opportunity to lead the delivery of major UK water infrastructure projects.
• A varied role combining hands‑on technical design with leadership and team development.
• Excellent career progression, flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.