Principal Mechanical Engineer

Hoare Lea; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Stock options

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Hoare Lea is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leeds to deliver high-quality mechanical engineering solutions across multiple projects. The role requires design leadership, project management, and client relationship development.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth technical knowledge in mechanical/building services design, with experience leading design teams on complex Data Centre projects. Benefits include private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Qualified and recognised in the industry, preferably with Chartered status.
• Proven, in-depth technical knowledge in Mechanical/building services design.
• Strong understanding of complementary disciplines and experience leading integrated design teams.
• Excellent client-facing skills and ability to manage difficult situations.
• Demonstrable experience leading design teams on complex Data Centre projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design delivery for significant and complex schemes.
• Define and agree the design brief with clients.
• Represent Hoare Lea at project meetings.
• Manage and motivate the internal project team.
• Monitor project expenditure, costs, and resource requirements.

Skills

Mechanical/building services design

Project management

Client management

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

IT literacy (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD)

Education

Chartered status

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Data Centre & Mission Critical

Location: Leeds

About the Role

We have an opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in delivering high‑quality, sustainable mechanical engineering solutions across multiple projects in the built environment.

You will join our Data Centre and Mission Critical team based in our Leeds office.

You will take the lead design role on significant and complex building services projects, owning the design delivery from inception to completion. As the technical lead, you will manage and prioritise the internal Hoare Lea delivery team, coordinate with other disciplines and external consultants, and represent Hoare Lea at client and project meetings. You will ensure technically excellent, commercially aware and timely delivery while developing client relationships that support future business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design delivery for significant and complex schemes, taking responsibility for achieving design objectives and technical quality.
• Define and agree the design brief with clients and manage client and consultant relationships professionally.
• Represent Hoare Lea at project meetings and actively promote our services to support client projects and future business.
• Manage, prioritise and motivate the internal project team (including specialist groups); host and chair internal project meetings.
• Delegate, review and check work undertaken by others; contribute to the professional development of team members.
• Monitor project expenditure, costs and resource requirements; report regularly to the team leader.
• Identify, highlight and manage project and commercial risks, including awareness of consultant appointment conditions and procurement impacts.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality standards, technical accuracy and programme deadlines.
• Share technical knowledge across the business and work collaboratively with other professionals to deliver coordinated building designs.
• Communicate openly and effectively at all levels internally and externally.

Qualifications

• Qualified and recognised in the industry, preferably with Chartered status.
• Proven, in‑depth technical knowledge in Mechanical/building services design and applied experience of relevant regulations and design guides.
• Strong understanding of complementary disciplines and experience leading integrated design teams.
• Excellent client‑facing skills with ability to manage difficult situations calmly and professionally.
• Demonstrable experience leading design teams on complex Data Centre projects and delivering to demanding timescales.
• Commercial awareness: experience monitoring project costs, identifying commercial risks and contributing to profitable delivery.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands.
• Confident communicator — excellent written and spoken English — with experience representing a consultancy externally.
• IT literate with proficiency in industry software (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD).
• Committed to continuous professional development and supporting the career growth of others.

Benefits

We offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.