Principal Mechanical Engineer

The Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide strategic leadership for mechanical maintenance and compliance across the university estate. You will shape maintenance programmes, lead in-house teams and collaborate with external contractors to safeguard assets and service continuity.

The role requires Chartered status or equivalent, with strong knowledge of gas and building services, regulatory standards and energy efficiency.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of mechanical and gas building services engineering.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and safe systems of work.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality maintenance services through in-house teams and specialist supply chains.
• The ability to produce clear technical specifications and reports.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement activity and performance.

Responsibilities

• Leading planned and cyclical mechanical maintenance programmes
• Managing reactive maintenance priorities and operational risk
• Overseeing mechanical systems expenditure and performance indicators
• Ensuring statutory compliance and robust assurance aligned to frameworks such as SFG20 and structured asset data standards
• Acting as Responsible or Authorised Person for designated mechanical systems (as appointed)
• Chairing or contributing to relevant steering groups and safety panels
• Providing technical acceptance of mechanical project work and insurer inspection remediation

Skills

Mechanical services engineering

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Chartered status or equivalent

Job description

About The Team

The Estates Engineering team sits within the Estates, Facilities & Campus Development Directorate and plays a critical role in keeping the University's estate safe, compliant and fully operational.

The team delivers planned, cyclical and reactive maintenance across a diverse portfolio of teaching, research and specialist facilities. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, project teams, specialist contractors and statutory bodies, the team ensures building services perform reliably and meet evolving legal and sector requirements.

You will join a collaborative, customer-focused environment where sound engineering judgement, clear standards and continuous improvement are valued. The work is varied and high-impact, directly supporting the University's mission by protecting people, assets and service continuity.

About The Role

As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will provide strategic leadership for mechanical maintenance and compliance across the University estate.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading planned and cyclical mechanical maintenance programmes
• Managing reactive maintenance priorities and operational risk
• Overseeing mechanical systems expenditure and performance indicators
• Ensuring statutory compliance and robust assurance aligned to frameworks such as SFG20 and structured asset data standards
• Acting as Responsible or Authorised Person for designated mechanical systems (as appointed)
• Chairing or contributing to relevant steering groups and safety panels
• Providing technical acceptance of mechanical project work and insurer inspection remediation

This is a full-time, permanent role, with flexible working across the estate and participation in the emergency call-out rota.

About You

We are seeking a senior mechanical professional with strong technical credibility and confident leadership capability.

You Will Bring

• Extensive knowledge of mechanical and gas building services engineering
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and safe systems of work
• Proven experience delivering high-quality maintenance services through in-house teams and specialist supply chains
• The ability to produce clear technical specifications and reports
• Experience managing budgets, procurement activity and performance

You will also be able to build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Chartered status (or equivalent level of expertise), relevant health and safety qualifications and Authorised Person competence across appropriate mechanical disciplines are highly desirable. Experience contributing to decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives would be an advantage.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.