Principal Mechanical Engineer (Water)

Sweco; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Competitive pension contribution

Private Medical Insurance

Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Peterborough is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the technical delivery of water solutions. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance and safety, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovations in sustainability across projects. The role demands a degree in Mechanical Engineering, proven mechanical design experience, and a passion for mentoring. The position offers flexible and hybrid working options, competitive salary and benefits including a discretionary bonus, life assurance, and professional subscriptions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design, ideally in the water sector or similar complex infrastructure environment.
• Strong understanding of industry standards, health and safety legislation, and construction principles.
• Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and review mechanical designs for compliance, safety, and performance excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure projects meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Communication skills

CAD proficiency

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered status or working towards it

Tools

CAD software

Engineering software

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Sweco

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer you will lead technical delivery of water solutions, ensuring compliance, safety, and performance excellence. You will collaborate with stakeholders, champion sustainability, mentor junior engineers, and shape strategic decisions across large‑scale projects.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and review mechanical designs to ensure compliance, safety, and performance excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.
• Promote the use of digital tools and modular construction techniques.
• Drive Health & Safety by design, identifying improvements and reducing whole‑life costs.
• Champion sustainability, carbon reduction, and innovation across the design lifecycle.
• Mentor junior engineers and create a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Work closely with project and engineering leaders, contributing to strategic decisions.

About You

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline).
• Preferably chartered, or working towards chartered status.
• Proven experience in mechanical design—ideally in the water sector or similar complex infrastructure environment.
• Strong understanding of industry standards, health and safety legislation, and construction principles.
• Leadership experience with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Proficiency in CAD and engineering software.
• Confident decision‑maker, with a collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company car or car allowance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Here at Sweco 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. We also support the Armed Forces Covenant, are a Real Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Committed employer. We actively promote equality, inclusion and diversity for all.