Principal Mechanical Engineer

Waterman Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development & progression

Training & development

Job summary

Waterman Group in Manchester is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the building services team on a range of high-profile projects. You will oversee mechanical design from concept to completion, mentor junior engineers and collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires chartered status or active progression toward chartership, a strong track record in building services, and expert knowledge of UK regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership.
• Significant experience in building services consultancy.
• Proven track record leading complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and delivery of building services projects from concept through to completion.
• Act as project lead on selected schemes, ensuring technical excellence, budget control and timely delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians within the team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients and external stakeholders.
• Review and approve detailed design calculations, specifications and drawings.
• Drive sustainable and low-carbon design solutions in line with industry best practice.
• Support business development activities, including client engagement and bid preparation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and quality procedures.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status or in progress

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Building Services team in Manchester. This is a key leadership role, responsible for delivering high quality mechanical design solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects, while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the strategic growth of the team.

About the Office

Located close to Manchester’s Spinningfields cultural hub, our office in the Trinity building offers an ideal place from which to make the most of this vibrant area. Our welcoming and diverse team is working on some of the most prestigious and innovative projects in Manchester, across the UK and around the world. From sustainability-focused offices and commercial premises to cutting-edge healthcare facilities and from award-winning retail developments to major new residential communities, you’ll have the opportunity to play a major role in delivering schemes across a huge range of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and delivery of building services projects from concept through to completion
• Act as project lead on selected schemes, ensuring technical excellence, budget control, and timely delivery
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians within the team
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders
• Review and approve detailed design calculations, specifications, and drawings
• Drive sustainable and low‑carbon design solutions in line with industry best practice
• Support business development activities, including client engagement and bid preparation
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and quality procedures

About You

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards chartership)
• Significant experience within a building services consultancy environment
• Proven track record of leading and delivering complex projects
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations and industry standards
• Experience across a range of sectors (commercial, residential, healthcare, etc.)
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem‑solving

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑profile and technically challenging projects
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Clear career progression and leadership opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Ongoing professional development and training support