Principal Mechanical Engineer

Manpower UK Ltd; South Hams; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global aerospace and defense company is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead Mechanical Building Services projects. The role involves ensuring outsourced designs meet rigorous standards while acting as the technical authority. Key responsibilities include specifying design requirements, providing technical oversight, and conducting site inspections. Ideal candidates will have a strong mechanical engineering background and experience in high-hazard industries.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of complex mechanical systems.
• Experience in design consultancy or contractor environments.
• Detailed knowledge of applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical Building Services projects.
• Specify requirements and produce estimates.
• Represent client at meetings and provide oversight.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Knowledge of BREEAM, DREAM, Building Regs

Computer literacy in digital tools

Knowledge of design lifecycle

Regulations and technical standards

Experience in high-hazard industries

Energy reduction methods

Commissioning and performance evaluation

Job description

Overview

Role: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Plymouth (Hybrid)

Duration: 12 months

Inside IR35: Umbrella

About our client: Our client is a leading global aerospace, Defense, and security company specializing in delivering complex, mission-critical solutions. With a strong heritage in engineering and innovation, they provide essential services across aviation, marine, land, and nuclear sectors, supporting governments, armed forces, and commercial clients worldwide. Renowned for their commitment to safety, sustainability, and technological advancement, our client plays a vital role in ensuring operational excellence for their customers. Join them and be part of a team that drives innovation and delivers cutting-edge solutions in some of the world's most demanding environments.

The primary purpose of the Senior Mechanical Building Services Engineer role is to lead Mechanical Building Services projects delivered by subcontractors.

This role ensures that outsourced designs meet technical, regulatory, and business requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. The successful candidate will act as the technical authority, bridging the gap between the company's engineering requirements and subcontractor performance.

Responsibilities

• Prescribe the Mechanical Building Services requirements for design projects.
• Specify Mechanical Building Services aspects in Scope of Work Documentation.
• Produce estimates and assist commercial departments in the production of outgoing tender responses.
• Support tender reviews from a technical perspective.
• Represent our client at meetings with stakeholders and contractors.
• Provide technical oversight of Mechanical Building Services designs through frequent reviews and progress meetings.
• Support Design Reviews to ensure that subcontractor designs align with company requirements, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Design Validation. Conduct independent assessments, technical audits, and feasibility reviews to verify design integrity and functionality.
• Lead author of design documentation
• Responding to subcontractor Technical Queries.
• Represent the Mechanical Services Technical Authority by leading on-site visits and where appropriate, providing guidance and leadership to staff.
• Conduct site surveys, inspections, and monitor site works.
• Lead the provision of advice to line management and other key stakeholders, on the implementation and maintenance of design documentation and compliance with relevant codes, standards and legislation.
• Provide technical oversight to junior engineers.
• Maintaining complete records and archives to company standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of mechanical engineering principles for the design, operation and maintenance of Steam & Condensate, Industrial Gases, Fresh Water, Demineralised Water, HVAC, Domestic Water services etc.
• Knowledge and experience of BREEAM, DREAM, Building Regs
• Experience of working in a design consultancy and/or experience of working within a contractor design environment. Knowledge / experience in managing a small team of engineers.
• Good level of computer literacy in a range of digital tools.
• Knowledge of the design lifecycle
• Detailed knowledge of appropriate regulations, legislation and technical standards that are applicable to mechanical services system design.
• Knowledge of operating within nuclear or other high-hazard industries.
• Familiar with energy reduction methods and approaches to decarbonising new and existing buildings, including principles of building physics such as passive design solutions.
• Experience of commissioning and post installation evaluation of performance.

Please apply if you want to be part of a leading global defence, and security company that delivers complex, mission-critical solutions