Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector

STANTEC; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus schemes

Enhanced pension plan

Annual leave with buy/sell options

Private medical insurance

Group income protection & life cover

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the delivery of mechanical design across a diverse portfolio of water infrastructure projects in the UK. You will own technical delivery from feasibility through construction support and mentor developing engineers within the Water team.

The role requires a degree in Mechanical Engineering, CEng status or progress towards it, and proven experience in mechanical design for water projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards registration.
• Strong experience delivering mechanical engineering design within the water sector.
• Experience leading technical delivery across multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities across water infrastructure projects.
• Produce and review technical calculations, specifications and design docs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, Project Managers and clients.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to developing engineers.

Skills

Mechanical design

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Investment across the UK water sector is creating exciting opportunities to deliver smarter, more sustainable infrastructure that will benefit communities for decades to come. At Stantec, we're working at the forefront of this transformation, delivering innovative engineering solutions across major water and wastewater programmes.

We're looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Water team in Newcastle or Leeds. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of complex mechanical engineering projects while continuing to develop your technical leadership within one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary consultancies.

Working alongside experienced technical specialists, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead mechanical design across major water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Take ownership of technical delivery from feasibility through to construction support.
• Mentor and support developing engineers across the team.
• Build strong relationships with clients and contribute to the continued growth of our Mechanical Engineering capability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll lead the delivery of mechanical engineering design across a diverse portfolio of water infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence throughout every stage of project delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading mechanical design activities across infrastructure and non-infrastructure schemes.
• Producing and reviewing technical calculations, specifications and design documentation.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Project Managers and clients to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Providing technical guidance and mentoring to developing engineers.
• Supporting design reviews, value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and supply chain partners.

YOUR IMPACT

The work you deliver will directly support the resilience and sustainability of essential water infrastructure across the UK. Your engineering expertise will help clients improve operational performance, deliver environmental improvements and create infrastructure that supports future generations.

You’ll also play an important role in strengthening our technical capability, supporting the development of colleagues and contributing to innovative engineering solutions that deliver lasting value for clients and communities alike.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer who enjoys leading technical delivery while working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

You will have:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards professional registration.
• Strong experience delivering mechanical engineering design within the water sector.
• Experience leading technical delivery across multidisciplinary projects.
• Excellent understanding of mechanical engineering design, specifications and industry standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience mentoring and supporting developing engineers.

Desirable:

• Experience working alongside delivery contractors.
• Experience supporting client relationships and framework delivery.
• Experience across both water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

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.

If you're looking to lead the delivery of nationally significant water infrastructure projects while continuing to develop your technical leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.

#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.