Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector

Stantec; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Competitive salary

Bonus schemes

Pension plan

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design delivery for Scotland's water projects. You will influence technical direction across feasibility to commissioning, working with multidisciplinary teams and clients to deliver robust, sustainable solutions.

Based in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness, this role offers exposure to major infrastructure programs and opportunities to mentor junior engineers within a collaborative, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (CEng/IEng) or working towards.
• Experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure and pumping stations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of mechanical projects across the full lifecycle.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical governance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to develop sustainable solutions.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality and sustainability standards.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

CEng/IEng

UK Water Sector

Project Delivery

Stakeholder Management

Mentoring Juniors

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

The Opportunity

Scotland's water sector is entering a period of significant investment as Scottish Water continues to modernise and strengthen the country's water and wastewater infrastructure. At Stantec, we're helping deliver innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that will improve resilience, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come. We're looking for a

The Opportunity

Scotland's water sector is entering a period of significant investment as Scottish Water continues to modernise and strengthen the country's water and wastewater infrastructure. At Stantec, we're helping deliver innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that will improve resilience, protect the environment and support communities for generations to come. We're looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness, where you'll help lead the delivery of major infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects across Scotland and the wider UK. As part of one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary water consultancies, you'll work alongside recognised technical experts on a diverse portfolio of treatment works, pumping stations, conveyance systems and complex mechanical engineering projects. With a strong pipeline of work, investment in digital engineering and a collaborative team culture, this is an excellent opportunity to further develop your career while helping shape the future of Scotland's water infrastructure.

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 work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and contractors to develop practical, sustainable engineering solutions that deliver outstanding 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 collaborate with clients to develop innovative engineering solutions.

Your Impact

Your expertise will help deliver the infrastructure that enables communities across Scotland to access safe, reliable water services while supporting ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. Through innovative mechanical design, you'll contribute to projects that improve treatment processes, increase operational efficiency and strengthen the resilience of Scotland's water networks. You'll also play an important role in developing the next generation of engineers, sharing your knowledge and helping build technical capability across the business. Your contribution will strengthen client relationships, support successful project delivery and reinforce Stantec's reputation for engineering excellence.

About You - Essential

• 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 as well as discounted gym membership and 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 water infrastructure across Scotland and beyond.

#UKWater

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, we encourage you to apply. 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.