Principal Mechanical Engineer, Water Sector

AECOM; Exeter; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their Water Solutions team in Exeter. You will deliver major UK water utility investment programmes and engage in design and project management for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure schemes. Candidates are expected to hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering and have experience in the water industry. The role offers a chance to work on high-value capital programmes and lead exciting projects that enhance sustainable water solutions.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Expertise in producing engineering reports and designs.
• Experience in water/wastewater industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop feasibility studies and detailed designs.
• Manage project budgets and schedules.
• Design mechanical installations for water systems.

Skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Client engagement

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

Job Description

Start here. Grow here.

Are you ready to shape the future of water infrastructure?

We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Water Solutions team, with opportunities to be based across our England & Wales offices.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering major UK water utility investment programmes, supporting the design and delivery of projects that range from small rural sites to multi-million-pound infrastructure and non-infrastructure schemes. These frameworks are long-term and extend through AMP8 and AMP9, giving you the chance to contribute meaningfully to sustainable water solutions across multiple regions.

You will support the delivery of several high-value capital programmes, including:

• South West Water – Framework for Engineering Consultancy Services: Lot 3 - Multi-Discipline Engineering Design
• Wessex Water – Capital Delivery Partner Framework Agreement: Lot 2 - Design Consultant
• Severn Trent Water – Lot 1 Major Projects Framework: Supporting AMP8 delivery plan valued at a TotEx of £14.9 billion
• Severn Trent D&B Projects – Supporting Tier 1 contractors on major non-infrastructure wastewater schemes
• Southern Water Strategic Delivery Partner (SDP) Frameworks: Lot 1: Non-infrastructure water projects, Lot 2: Non-infrastructure wastewater projects
• Southern Water Low Complexity and Infrastructure Frameworks: Lot 2: Wastewater Infrastructure, Lot 3: Infrastructure Framework – Partnering exclusively with Tier 1 contractors to deliver efficient and sustainable water and wastewater solutions

Working flexibly, you’ll visit client sites and collaborate with teams across multi-year frameworks. As part of our thriving business, you’ll take on rewarding multi-disciplinary projects from inception to delivery, creating innovative solutions that enhance the environment and improve communities.

Here's what you'll do:

• Develop feasibility studies, outline and detailed designs, and provide construction support.
• Create design drawings, select mechanical plant, and prepare technical specifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, electrical, process, and mechanical engineers.
• Ensure high technical quality, contribute to bids, and maintain client relationships.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet agreed targets.
• Design mechanical installations for water and wastewater systems, including pumps, screens, valves, and odour control.
• Conduct site surveys and liaise with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Produce layouts, technical specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs for system designs.

Come & Grow With Us.

Become part of our dynamic Water business, which boasts around 700 experts across the UK & Ireland, including 170 specialists across our England & Wales Water Solutions team. Collaborate with top-tier civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver a variety of captivating projects, from small initiatives to large-scale ventures, all the way from concept to completion. Here, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued.

Enjoy the Perks.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering with Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) through a recognised institution like IMechE.
• Proven expertise in producing, reviewing, and approving engineering reports, designs, drawings, and specifications.
• A problem-solver at heart, confident in taking ownership of challenging technical issues and seeing them through to resolution.
• Leadership potential, able to manage direct reports, inspire technical excellence, and support the growth of fellow engineers.
• Exceptional client and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience in team leadership, mentoring, and line management.
• Experience in the water and/or wastewater industry.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.