Principal Mechanical Engineer

CIBSE Journal; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Pension and private healthcare

Car allowance or vehicle option

Annual bonus scheme

Professional membership support

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing programs

Employee discounts

EV salary sacrifice

Job summary

CIBSE Journal is seeking a Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer to lead complex building services designs in the UK. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, interface with clients, and embed low-carbon principles across projects, from concept to completion.

This role offers hybrid working, strong pension and healthcare, and opportunities to shape standards and digital workflows. You will mentor engineers and collaborate across regions to grow capability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Chartered status or equivalent.
• Extensive building services design experience across sectors.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and client relationships.
• Strong knowledge of UK regulations and best practice standards.
• Proven track record delivering low-energy, sustainable designs.

Responsibilities

• Leading mechanical design from concept to project completion on complex schemes.
• Acting as primary client interface translating business needs into engineering solutions.
• Supporting inception activities including briefs, workshops and design reviews.
• Embedding low-carbon and energy-conscious design across delivery stages.
• Mentoring engineers and technicians and guiding project teams.
• Managing deliverables to meet programme, budget, and quality targets.
• Promoting digital design tools and BIM workflows.
• Contributing to process and standards improvements.
• Collaborating with regional teams to support growth and capability.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Project management

Sustainability

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Tools

BIM

Job description

Role:

A leading multidisciplinary engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join its growing UK team. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering innovative, sustainable building services solutions while acting as a trusted advisor to a diverse client base. This organisation is committed to delivering sustainable, future-focused solutions to the built environment’s most pressing challenges. You’ll be joining a collaborative team of experts working at the forefront of engineering design, with the autonomy to make an impact and the support to grow your career.

Responsibilities:

• Leading mechanical design from early concept through to project completion on complex schemes
• Acting as a primary client interface, translating business needs into practical engineering solutions
• Supporting project inception activities including brief development, technical workshops, and design reviews
• Embedding low-carbon and energy-conscious design principles into all stages of delivery
• Providing technical direction and mentoring to engineers and technicians
• Managing project deliverables to meet programme, budget, and quality expectations
• Promoting the effective use of digital design tools and coordinated workflows (e.g. BIM environments)
• Contributing to continuous improvement of processes, standards, and technical excellence across the business
• Collaborating across regional teams to support wider business growth and capability

Requirements:

You will be a confident leader with strong technical grounding and a collaborative approach.

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
• Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in building services design across multiple sectors
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships
• Strong understanding of UK regulations, industry guidance, and best practice standards
• Proven experience delivering sustainable and low-energy design solutions
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Strengths:

• Deep knowledge of HVAC and integrated building systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance innovation with deliverability
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Passion for mentoring and developing others

Offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Competitive pension and life assurance
• Private healthcare provision
• Car allowance or company vehicle option
• Annual bonus scheme
• Professional membership support
• Generous annual leave with option to purchase additional days
• Wellbeing and employee support programmes
• Access to retail and lifestyle discounts
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme