Principal Mechanical Engineer

Globalenergynetwork; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimus Plus is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to deliver high-quality mechanical solutions across concept to operation. The role supports upstream, midstream, and downstream projects with a focus on safety, reliability and value for clients in the UK and Europe.

Flexible hybrid work is available with offices in Aberdeen or Glasgow, and 2 days per week can be remote. Chartered status is desirable and consultancy experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in a relevant subject; Chartered Engineer status desirable.
• Extensive mechanical design and consultancy experience in oil & gas.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and client workshops.

Responsibilities

• Identify the scope of work and input to project plans.
• Provide cost-effective, safe engineering solutions across lifecycle stages.
• Lead technical authority and supervise mechanical design teams.
• Address operations and maintenance issues in design and liaise for best solution.
• Support proposals, estimates and business development activities.
• Demonstrate strong stakeholder management and client-facing skills.

Skills

Mechanical design

Client facing

Project leadership

Hazop/Hazid

Education

Engineering degree

CEng / professional membership

Job description

About The Role

Optimus Plus are now seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering consultancy, supporting major energy, oil and gas, and low-carbon projects across the UK and Europe. This role is available on an long-term, on-going contract (Ltd/umbrella) basis and can be based in our Aberdeen or Glasgow office on a flexible hybrid working model, where 2 days per week can be worked remotely.

Role Summary

This is a key role, responsible for delivering high-quality mechanical engineering solutions throughout the project lifecycle, from concept and FEED studies through detailed design, execution, commissioning, and operational support. Working closely with clients, project managers, and multi-discipline engineering teams, you will ensure all deliverables meet relevant industry and clint standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in the upstream, midstream, or downstream oil and gas sector, together with a strong understanding of process plant equipment, piping systems, package equipment, and safety-critical design principles. Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is highly desirable. Suitable candidates must have previous consultancy experience, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to lead technical teams while identifying opportunities to support business growth. This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected engineering organisation delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to the evolving energy industry.

Key duties

• Identify the scope of work required
• Input to project plans
• Identify areas of concern during any project or study
• Produce cost- effective engineering solutions that are fit for purpose, safe and add value
• Ability to address operational and maintenance issues in the design and liaise with colleagues for the best solution
• Exercise technical authority and autonomy in all engineering activities

About You

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant subject
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and membership of a recognised professional institution.

Experience/ competence

• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering design and consultancy within the process, oil and gas sector.
• Demonstratable experience in Brownfield Asset Development.
• Proven track record delivering concept, FEED and detailed design projects for offshore and onshore facilities.
• Strong knowledge of pressure equipment, rotating equipment, package systems and mechanical integrity management.
• Working knowledge of ASME, API, ISO, DNV, PED and relevant UK/EU legislation.
• Experienced in HAZOP, HAZID and design safety reviews.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and act as Mechanical Technical Authority.
• Strong client-facing skills with experience leading technical workshops and presentations.
• Commercial awareness with experience supporting proposals, estimates and business development activities.
• Experience in energy transition projects including CCUS, hydrogen and offshore renewable developments is highly desirable.

About Us

We are all about practical delivery. Our expert engineering solutions are always tailored, pragmatic, credible and fit for purpose. That is the Optimus way.

Optimus is an integrated, multi-discipline engineering design, project delivery and consultancy organisation. Founded in 1999, the business began as a consultancy with a headcount of just four. In the intervening years, Optimus has grown into a highly respected international engineering consultancy with almost 100 employees working for clients worldwide.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion and diversity. We welcome applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or disability status.