Principal Mechanical Engineer (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health support programs

Training and mentoring opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer for their Energy Transition Team. You will lead mechanical designs on various energy projects, including power plants and carbon capture schemes. The position offers flexibility across their UK office network.

Ideal candidates will have a relevant engineering degree, experience in design work, and know-how in power generation or oil and gas industries. You'll enjoy a hybrid working policy, health support programs, and a commitment to inclusivity and development.

Qualifications

• Experience in concept, FEED and detail design work.
• Proficient in pressure vessel and piping design and stress analysis.
• Experience with gas turbine and reciprocating engine power train solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost-effective and innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Prepare mechanical deliverables such as calculations and equipment specifications.
• Support development of plant layouts and 3D models.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Degree in a relevant Engineering subject

Tools

MS Excel

MathCAD

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Energy Transition Team

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Energy Transition Team. 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 plant, energy from waste plants, industrial facilities and carbon capture schemes.

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

You should be experienced in the delivery of concept, FEED and detail design work, and be familiar with working for an OEM, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor or a similar organisation. Experience of working in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and an understanding of asset integrity processes and procedures would be highly advantageous to help support our clients with technical advice on their existing facilities and operational plant. You should have knowledge of gas turbine and preferably reciprocating engine power train solutions.

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 to create practical designs based on these solutions
• Working on projects in a variety of stages of maturity, including Feasibility Studies, Concept Designs, FEED Studies, Value Engineering and Detailed Design
• Preparation of Mechanical deliverables such as calculations, equipment specifications and datasheets for turbines, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, heat exchangers
• Working closely with process engineers in development of process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams
• Supporting development of plant layouts and plant 3D models
• Working with equipment vendors on developing designs of equipment packages and participating in technical evaluations of vendor designs
• Providing engineering advice and technical solutions in relation 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 a member of a relevant Engineering Institute
• Postgraduate work experience within 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 of carrying out pressure vessel and piping design and stress analysis
• Experience of working with mechanical designers and pipe stress engineers on plant 3D models
• Proficient in the use of MS Excel to create schedules and datasheets, MathCAD to undertake engineering calculations and to solve engineering problems
• Experience of thermal plant operational and integrity issue troubleshooting and problem solving

What’s in it for you

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. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need, 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. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development: We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, through training, mentoring or Chartership.

Additional Information

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Legal

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.