Principal Mechanical Engineer (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design across energy transition projects from inception through decommissioning. You will guide cost-effective solutions for turbines, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, and piping within a large engineering group.

Location is flexible across our UK office network, enabling collaboration with private developers, utilities, and government bodies while delivering safe, compliant plant designs.

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant engineering subject.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards IEng/CEng and membership of a relevant engineering institute.
• Post‑graduate work experience within the power generation or oil & gas industry.
• Knowledge of national and international codes and standards used within the industry covering design and manufacturing requirements of plant equipment and piping.
• Experience in pressure vessel and piping design and stress analysis.
• Experience working with mechanical designers and pipe‑stress engineers on plant 3D models.
• Proficiency in MS Excel for creating schedules and datasheets, and MathCAD for engineering calculations and problem solving.
• Experience in thermal plant operational and integrity issue troubleshooting and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Working with the project team to develop cost‑effective, efficient and innovative solutions to complex problems and create practical designs.
• Engaging in projects at various stages of maturity, including feasibility studies, concept designs, FEED studies, value engineering and detailed design.
• Preparing mechanical deliverables such as calculations, equipment specifications and datasheets for turbines, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers.
• Working closely with process engineers in developing process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams.
• Supporting development of plant layouts and plant 3D models.
• Cooperating with equipment vendors on design of equipment packages and participating in technical evaluations of vendor designs.
• Providing engineering advice and technical solutions related to plant integrity issues on operational assets.
• Developing proposals and bids for the mechanical discipline and contributing to multi‑disciplinary proposals.

Skills

Engineering degree

Chartered status or IEng/CEng

Power generation/oil & gas experience

Codes & standards knowledge

Pressure vessel & piping design

Plant 3D modeling

MS Excel

Thermal plant troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

MathCAD

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Energy Transition Team. Working as part of a large engineering group you will lead the development of mechanical designs on a wide range of energy projects from initial inception through development, construction, operation and decommissioning. Projects include conventional power plants, energy-from-waste plants, industrial facilities and carbon capture schemes.

Our team’s expertise covers all thermal generation and conversion technologies, including novel, first‑of‑a‑kind concepts and low or zero carbon technology such as future fuels and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. We work with private developers, power utilities, government bodies, banks, lending agencies, contractors and OEMs to safely deliver projects while meeting and exceeding client expectations.

Location is flexible across our UK office network.

In This Role You Will Be

• Working with the project team to develop cost‑effective, efficient and innovative solutions to complex problems and create practical designs.
• Engaging in projects at various stages of maturity, including feasibility studies, concept designs, FEED studies, value engineering and detailed design.
• Preparing mechanical deliverables such as calculations, equipment specifications and datasheets for turbines, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers.
• Working closely with process engineers in developing process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams.
• Supporting development of plant layouts and plant 3D models.
• Cooperating with equipment vendors on design of equipment packages and participating in technical evaluations of vendor designs.
• Providing engineering advice and technical solutions related to plant integrity issues on operational assets.
• Developing proposals and bids for the mechanical discipline and contributing to multi‑disciplinary proposals.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• A degree in a relevant engineering subject.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards IEng/CEng and membership of a relevant engineering institute.
• Post‑graduate work experience within the power generation or oil & gas industry.
• Knowledge of national and international codes and standards used within the industry covering design and manufacturing requirements of plant equipment and piping.
• Experience in pressure vessel and piping design and stress analysis.
• Experience working with mechanical designers and pipe‑stress engineers on plant 3D models.
• Proficiency in MS Excel for creating schedules and datasheets, and MathCAD for engineering calculations and problem solving.
• Experience in thermal plant operational and integrity issue troubleshooting and problem solving.

Benefits

Work‑life balance
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and support a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Health & wellbeing
We provide a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time
WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

Your development
We support growth through training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities.

Equal Opportunity
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.