Principal Mechanical Engineer

Advance TRS; Rhyl; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Rhyl, UK. This key role involves providing strategic leadership in the design of mechanical systems for water and wastewater projects. The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, experience with UK water infrastructure, and chartered status. The position is contract-based and offers a chance to work on complex projects while mentoring junior engineers, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in UK water infrastructure mechanical systems.
• Deep understanding of WIMES and DWI standards.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for mechanical infrastructure design.
• Oversee development of mechanical design drawings and specifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer (Lead / Principal grade)

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer (contract or permanent) to lead the design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This is a key technical leadership role within the team, providing strategic input across project lifecycles, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving engineering excellence across mechanical packages.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure for clean and wastewater treatment works.
• Lead the development of detailed mechanical designs, including drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Oversee and direct site assessments, feasibility studies, and design reviews; provide expert input during construction to resolve complex technical issues.
• Act as the mechanical discipline lead, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure robust, compliant, and sustainable solutions.
• Drive adherence to WIMES, DWI, and relevant British/European mechanical standards, ensuring best practice is embedded across all design activities.
• Take ownership of mechanical work packages on major schemes.
• Mentor, support, and develop junior and mid-level engineers.

Requirements

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in the design and delivery of mechanical systems for UK water infrastructure projects, ideally within AMP frameworks.
• Deep understanding of relevant industry standards (WIMES, DWI) and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Chartered Engineer status with IMechE or equivalent (or demonstrable equivalent experience and capability).

Reach out to Molly Brown @ Advance TRS to find out more.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior

Employment Type: Contract

Job Function: Design, Management, and Engineering

Industries: Engineering Services, Utilities, and Construction