Principal Mechanical Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK utility sector is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead complex infrastructure projects. You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring the highest engineering standards while innovating within the water and wastewater sectors. The role offers a competitive salary up to £70,000, extensive benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

26 days annual leave (increasing to 30 with service)

Private medical health care

Extensive employee benefits including health assessments

Cycle to Work schemes

Life assurance

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, ideally chartered.
• Strong background in sludge treatment, biogas/CHP, water/wastewater processes.
• Knowledge of UK regulatory engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Define clear technical requirements through comprehensive Project Definition Briefs.
• Lead and sign off on innovative mechanical designs for water and wastewater sectors.
• Inspire and manage multi-disciplinary teams on mechanically focused projects.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Project Management

Water/Wastewater Processes

Innovation

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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Job Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location: Hybrid – Reading (3–4 days/week office or site presence)

Type: Permanent, Hybrid

About the Role:

As Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll lead a team of dedicated engineers, shaping the “Intelligent Client” capability and contributing directly to critical AMP8 project outcomes and beyond. Your expertise in mechanical design will guide complex infrastructure programmes from initial brief through to handover, ensuring industry-leading standards and forward-thinking design.

About the Client:

Our client is a major UK utility provider undertaking a large-scale infrastructure transformation programme. With a focus on sustainable, efficient, and compliant delivery, they are redefining how water and wastewater systems serve millions across the country.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define clear technical requirements through comprehensive Project Definition Briefs.
• Develop and refine Technical Asset Standards to boost efficiency.
• Uphold the highest engineering standards in mechanical design.
• Lead and sign off on innovative mechanical designs for water and wastewater sectors.
• Inspire and manage multi-disciplinary teams on mechanically focused projects.
• Provide technical assurance and support seamless project transitions.
• Support the development and adoption of innovative technologies and research initiatives.

What Our Client is Looking For:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, ideally chartered.
• Strong background in areas such as sludge treatment, biogas/CHP, water/wastewater processes, pump/piping systems, or mechanical process equipment.
• Knowledge of the UK regulatory engineering environment.
• Proven experience in leading or overseeing mechanical design engineering projects.

What Our Client Offers:

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 depending on experience.
• 26 days annual leave (increasing to 30 with service), plus bank holidays.
• Private medical health care.
• Extensive employee benefits including health assessments, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, life assurance, shopping discounts and more.
• Must be based in the UK with the right to work.
• Must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a car.
• Office or site attendance required 3–4 days per week.

Opportunity for Growth:

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead from the front in a nationally significant infrastructure programme. You'll help shape future standards, implement transformative technologies, and develop a high-performing team—while progressing your own leadership journey.