Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; Brighton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension plan

Free private medical insurance

Discounted gym membership

Flexible working arrangements

Paid professional subscriptions and training

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical system design for the water industry. Based in Brighton, this role involves overseeing projects from initial feasibility through to detailed design and construction support. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven experience in mechanical design and collaboration across disciplines. This position offers professional growth in a collaborative environment with competitive benefits, including flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design, producing specifications and reports.
• Experience with design of pumping and aeration systems.
• Familiarity with General Arrangement Drawings and 3D models.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of mechanical systems for water infrastructure.
• Conduct site surveys and investigations.
• Mentor junior engineers and facilitate team development.
• Collaborate to produce technical outputs like design specifications.
• Act as the technical bridge between different project stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical design

Pumping systems design

Collaboration with disciplines

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related subject

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer – South of England Water

Step into a pivotal role at Stantec where your technical mastery meets the front lines of the challenges facing the water industry today. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer within our South of England Water team, you will be leading the design of mechanical systems that ensure water security and environmental resilience for water companies across the UK and Ireland. Whether you choose to base yourself in Brighton, Ashford, Kings Hill, or Southampton, you are joining a consultancy at the peak of its growth, offering you a high‑visibility platform to sharpen your expertise and lead complex, multi‑million‑pound frameworks.

This position is designed for a technical specialist who thrives on the intricate details of the entire asset lifecycle. You will own the process from initial feasibility studies and rigorous optioneering through to the precision of detailed design and on‑site construction support. Your day‑to‑day will involve conducting deep‑dived site surveys and investigations to ensure our engineering solutions are both innovative and robust. You will find yourself at the heart of cutting‑edge mechanical design, solving unique efficiency challenges that directly impact our local communities.

Beyond the technical drafting and specification, this role serves as a cornerstone for professional development and mentorship. You will act as the primary technical conduit between project managers, supply‑chain partners, and contractors, ensuring that sophisticated mechanical requirements are translated into successful, real‑world outcomes. As you guide less experienced engineers through the nuances of the water business, you will find a clear and supported path for your own career progression. At Stantec, your growth is fuelled by a collaborative culture and the opportunity to leave a tangible, sustainable legacy across the UK’s water infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own the process from initial feasibility studies and rigorous optioneering through to the precision of detailed design and on‑site construction support.
• Conduct deep‑dived site surveys and investigations to ensure our engineering solutions are innovative and robust.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to produce technical outputs such as design specifications, sizing & design of pumping and aeration systems, schedules, reports, 3D models, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams.
• Act as the primary technical conduit between project managers, supply‑chain partners, and contractors, ensuring that mechanical requirements are translated into successful, real‑world outcomes.
• Mentor junior engineers and support professional development within the team.

About You

• Experienced Mechanical Engineer with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject, ideally holding chartership (or on route to chartership).

• Proven experience in mechanical design, producing design specifications, sizing & design of pumping and aeration systems, schedules, and reports.

• Experience collaborating with other disciplines to deliver General Arrangement Drawings, 3D models, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams.

• Mentoring junior engineers or managing a mechanical team is advantageous, though not essential.

Why Join us?

• Our People Culture: A close‑knit team that values a friendly and collaborative environment.
• Industry awards: International Consulting Firm of the Year, Best Place to Work – Large Consulting Firms, and consistently recognised in the top 10 Corporate Knights most sustainable companies in the world.
• Great benefits: Competitive salary, pension plan, holidays, free private medical insurance, discounted gym membership, and more.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Industry‑leading training and development and paid professional subscriptions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for current and future employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Stantec also prohibits discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations to ensure equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.