Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector

Stantec; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus schemes

Enhanced pension plan

Annual leave with buy/sell options

Private medical insurance

Group income protection & life cover

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the technical delivery of mechanical projects within the UK water sector. You will oversee feasibility through to commissioning, ensuring safe, sustainable and high-quality designs.

You will mentor team members and drive technical governance across projects. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to develop practical solutions that meet performance, safety and environmental standards, while supporting

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards.
• Experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure and associated mechanical systems.
• Experience leading technical project delivery and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of mechanical engineering projects across the full lifecycle.
• Mentor engineers within the team and contribute to technical governance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to deliver sustainable solutions.

Skills

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CE

Lead mechanical project delivery

Water/wastewater mechanical systems

Stakeholder management

Mentoring junior engineers

Technical governance

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

The Opportunity

The South of England is at the heart of one of the UK's largest periods of investment in water infrastructure. Through AMP8, water companies are investing in resilient, sustainable assets that will improve environmental performance, strengthen water security and support growing communities. At Stantec, we’re helping deliver these nationally significant programmes and are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Brighton, London, High Wycombe, Reading or Southampton.

As part of one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary water consultancies, you'll work alongside recognised technical specialists on a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, conveyance systems and complex mechanical engineering projects. With a strong pipeline of work, investment in digital engineering and a collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career while helping shape the future of water infrastructure across the South of England.

About The Role

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the technical delivery of mechanical engineering projects across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning. You'll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to develop practical, sustainable engineering solutions that deliver successful project outcomes.

You'll provide technical leadership across water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations and mechanical process systems, ensuring designs meet the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability. Alongside project delivery, you'll mentor engineers within the team, contribute to technical governance, support project planning and work with clients to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

Your Impact

Your expertise will help deliver vital infrastructure that improves water resilience, protects the environment and supports communities across the South of England. Through innovative mechanical engineering solutions, you'll contribute to projects that enhance operational performance, improve treatment processes and provide long-term value for our clients.

You'll also play an important role in developing future engineering talent by mentoring colleagues, sharing technical knowledge and strengthening capability across the business. Your contribution will reinforce client relationships, support successful project delivery and maintain Stantec’s reputation for technical excellence throughout AMP8 and beyond.

About You

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.


• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) or actively working towards


• Experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.


• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, pumping stations and associated mechanical systems.


• Experience leading technical project delivery and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers.

Desirable

• Experience working alongside delivery contractors.


• Experience across both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.


• Experience supporting bids or business development activities.

Why Join Us

We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.

We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.

We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.

We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups).

Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!

Great Benefits:

• Competitive salary


• bonus schemes


• enhanced pension plan


• annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days


• private medical insurance


• group income protection & life assurance included as standard


• discounted gym membership


• lots more

Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

Join us and help deliver the next generation of resilient water infrastructure across the South of England, creating sustainable engineering solutions that will benefit communities for years to come.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit 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 and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.