Principal Mechanical Engineer

Carrington West; Witney; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the M&E sector is seeking a Principal/Associate Mechanical Engineer to join their Oxford office. This role focuses on complex projects in the science and research sector. The ideal candidate will have experience in building services consultancy and a strong background in leading projects. The company offers a competitive salary, a thorough benefits package, and a supportive culture for professional growth and development.

Benefits

9-day fortnight

25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off

8% pension contribution

Group life cover

Access to financial advisor

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Perks platform for discounts

Qualifications

• Experience as a Mechanical Engineer at Principal or Associate level.
• Strong background in building services consultancy.
• Demonstrable project experience in the science and research sector (labs, clean rooms, critical systems).
• Ambition to lead projects and develop your career.
• Chartered Engineer status or a drive to achieve it.

Responsibilities

• Lead challenging science and research projects.
• Steer projects and provide expert technical input.
• Mentor and develop the team.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Building Services Consultancy

Project Leadership

Expert Technical Input

Mentorship

Education

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer

Are you an experienced Principal or Associate Mechanical Engineer with a flair for projects in the science and research sector? If you have a proven background in building services consultancy and thrive on leading complex, critical projects, this could be the perfect opportunity to make your mark in a rapidly growing business. Your expertise in areas like critical environments, labs, and clean rooms will be essential.

Role and Responsibilities

Join one of the UK's most exciting and fastest-growing M&E consultancies. Since launching in 2021, the team has grown to nearly 40 specialists, delivering a diverse and impressive portfolio of projects, including £45m student accommodation blocks and numerous £30‑40m schemes across science, research, and higher education. They are making waves by putting their people first and delivering exceptional quality.

In this Principal / Associate Mechanical Engineer role, based in their Oxford office with a flexible, hybrid working model, you will become a key figure in the mechanical team. You’ll act as a knowledgeable, safe pair of hands, taking the lead on challenging science and research projects. Your day‑to‑day will involve steering projects, providing expert technical input, and helping to mentor and develop the team, playing a vital part in the company's continued success.

Salary + Benefits

Salary range

A competitive salary is on offer, which will be reviewed quarterly to ensure you are rewarded for your contributions. The company firmly believes in paying people properly for their expertise and hard work.

Benefits

You’ll have access to an outstanding benefits package, including a 9‑day fortnight, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), and an 8% pension contribution. The package also features group life cover, access to a financial advisor, an EV salary sacrifice scheme, the cycle‑to‑work scheme, and a perks platform for shopping and lifestyle discounts.

Company culture

This is a business built on a succession model, offering a genuine path to equity for ambitious individuals. They provide financial incentives for Chartership and support continuous learning, from degrees to one‑to‑one coaching. The culture is founded on trust, flexibility, and a shared ambition to be the best, which is reflected in their incredibly high staff retention.

What you’ll need

• Experience as a Mechanical Engineer at Principal or Associate level.
• A strong background in building services consultancy.
• Demonstrable project experience in the science and research sector (e.g., labs, clean rooms, critical systems).
• Ambition to lead projects and develop your career.
• Chartered Engineer status, or a clear drive to achieve it.

This is a fantastic chance to join a true success story. If you feel you have the right skills and ambition, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Charlie Weeks at Carrington West to find out more.