Principal Mechanical Engineer

WSP; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design on process industry projects, with emphasis on fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and related sectors. The role includes design, calculations, and 3D modelling, plus site support and client liaison in a predominantly office-based environment with travel.

The successful candidate will manage teams, coordinate multi-disciplinary work, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver cost-effective engineering solutions across project

Qualifications

• 10 years or more of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
• Degree qualified in mechanical engineering (BEng, BSc, MEng).
• Chartered Engineer, MIMechE desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical Engineer on selected projects, controlling technical delivery, costs, changes and programme at all stages.
• Design, engineering, calculations, specifications.
• Prepare flowsheets and engineering line diagrams.
• Supervise plant layout and pipework design including 3D modelling.
• Prepare data sheets, piping and equipment specifications, technical appraisals and selection.
• Provide site support during construction and commissioning including field engineering assignments.
• Perform design studies and safety reviews including Designers Risk Assessments.
• Coordinate with all other disciplines and maintain interfaces.
• Prepare and maintain man‑hour and resources forecasts; contribute to design programmes.
• Review designs and proposals for conformance with standards and codes of practice.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Client interaction

10+ years experience

Education

Mechanical engineering degree

Chartered Engineer desirable

Tools

CAD

3D modelling

Caesar II

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