Principal Mechanical Engineer

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in mechanical design within the water sector. This hybrid role involves leading technical projects, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The company offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits including private medical insurance and professional development opportunities. Ideal candidates will be degree-qualified engineers passionate about leadership in a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension plan

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym membership

Flexible working arrangements

Industry-leading training and development

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified Mechanical Engineer, ideally Chartered or working towards it.
• Extensive experience in detailed design within the water industry.
• Experience with delivery contractors is beneficial.
• Strong leadership skills and a passion for team development.
• Ability to balance technical work with leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as a regional technical lead influencing project direction.
• Lead mechanical design from feasibility to construction support.
• Deliver solutions for water infrastructure projects.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mechanics design expertise

Mentoring and support

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Water Sector

Locations: Southampton, Brighton or Kingshill

Hybrid: 2-3 days per week in the office

Salary: £70-75k

With major AMP8 investment and strong regional growth, Advance TRS are working with a leading consultancy who are expanding their engineering team. They are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to step into a regional lead role-combining technical excellence with people leadership and mentoring responsibility.

What You’ll Do

• Act as a regional technical lead for mechanical design, influencing project direction and best practice
• Lead mechanical design across the full lifecycle – from feasibility and optioneering to detailed design and construction support
• Deliver innovative solutions for treatment plants, pumping stations, conveyance systems and wider water infrastructure
• Mentor, support and develop junior engineers, with opportunities to take on formal line management
• Collaborate closely with project managers, designers, clients, contractors and supply chain partners to drive positive outcomes

About You

• Degree-qualified Mechanical Engineer (Chartered or working toward)
• Strong background in detailed design within the water industry
• Experience working with delivery contractors is beneficial
• Natural leader with excellent communication skills and a passion for developing others
• Comfortable balancing hands‑on technical work with team leadership

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working: 2-3 days per week in the office
• Supportive, friendly and collaborative team culture
• Competitive salary, pension, holidays, private medical insurance, discounted gym membership and more
• Flexible working arrangements
• Meaningful, exciting projects across the UK & Ireland
• Industry-leading training, development and paid professional memberships
• A workplace recognised for excellence and sustainability

Apply now or contact Molly Brown for more information.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.