Principal Mechanical Engineer

BCS Group; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Peterborough is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and delivery of mechanical engineering solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, experience in water treatment, and proven leadership capabilities. This role emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and the development of team members within a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical

Profit share scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice

Company car allowance

Leadership & management training

Continuous service awards

Qualifications

• Strong background in mechanical engineering, preferably within water treatment.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Senior Mechanical Engineers in delivering engineering solutions.
• Develop procedures and guidance for projects.
• Drive compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Sustainability Principles

Project Management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

HAZOP

Water Treatment Technologies

Job description

Overview

Here within the @one Alliance, we are a totally collaborative organisation made up of our seven partner companies (Anglian Water, Balfour Beatty, Barhale, MMB, MWH Treatment, Skanska and SWECO) and our extended supply chain, delivering over half of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme. We are now in our most exciting and challenging Asset Management Period yet, known as AMP8, which will see us deliver a programme of work larger than we’ve ever delivered before. We’ll be embarking on a new kind of project delivery focusing on nature-based solutions like wetlands and urban drainage schemes. We are driving change, empowering us to set global benchmarks and build a better environment, with the opportunity to offer enhanced growth and development to our workforce. We’re looking to build on our existing teams with an environment built for career progression. With such an exciting portfolio of projects planned for AMP8 to keep the water flowing across the region, our ability to manage our work and outperform against our customers’ expectations will come under greater scrutiny. With a continued expectation to provide the highest standards of project design whilst ensuring we use innovation and creativity to deliver more with less, we are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our large and dynamic team.

Role

What will you be doing as our new Principal Mechanical Engineer? As our Principal Mechanical Engineer, you\'ll lead the Senior Mechanical Engineers in designing and delivering cutting-edge value-driven mechanical engineering solutions that adhere to water quality standards while reducing carbon, enhancing natural capital, and embracing the challenges of climate change.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Foster innovative ways of working to achieve sustainable outcomes rather than outputs. Represent the @one Alliance as the mechanical engineering authority, providing expert guidance on quality and compliance issues.

• Discipline Management: Develop procedures, standards, and guidance to achieve a "right-first-time" philosophy. Support the mechanical design team in delivering complex projects with suitable resources and methods. Provide direction and guidance to the team in appropriate design methods and assets. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure competency and performance and manage supplier frameworks. As part of the asset standards governance process, identify, support, implement and approve standard products for delivery efficiency and consistency in projects.

• Project Delivery: Support the identification of value-driven solutions at Stage 1 of projects. Conduct audits (internal and external) to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications. Lead the resolution of non-compliance issues, competency gaps, and procedural improvements. Offer expert direction for complex design challenges and stakeholder engagement.

• Health & Safety: Drive excellence in compliance with CDM regulations, ensuring safe and compliant designs. Conduct audits on mechanical safety standards (e.g., HAZOP, DSEAR) and lead improvements. Proficiency and application of Regulation 31 in relation to mechanical assets in water projects.

• People & Team Development: Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance to the mechanical engineering team. Champion professional development and qualifications while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment.

• Transformation & Innovation: Inspire a culture of experimentation, safe failure, and continuous improvement. Lead the introduction of new technologies and techniques to advance performance and sustainability.

A little bit about your skills, experience, and behaviours

To thrive in this role, you’ll need a strong background in mechanical engineering, preferably within water treatment or similar industries. Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire teams and drive innovation. A deep understanding of sustainability principles, including reducing carbon and protecting natural capital. Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for mentoring, professional development, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Caring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company. As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.

From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by:

• Competitive salary
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical
• Profit share scheme
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
• 8 hours leave of absence for volunteering
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
• Leadership & management training and coaching
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
• Continuous service awards

Note: This description reflects the current role and may be updated as the business evolves.