Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

Carrington West; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy seeks a Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer in Plymouth to oversee mechanical projects ensuring they meet regulatory and technical standards. Candidates must have a relevant degree, experience in design consultancy, and knowledge of systems like HVAC. The role involves guiding designs and leading meetings while providing technical oversight. A commitment to compliance and eligibility for security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Building Services/Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CIBSE or IMechE) or working towards CEng.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building services systems (HVAC, steam & condensate, water services, industrial gases, etc.).
• Experience in design consultancy or contractor environments, ideally within nuclear or high-hazard industries.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical authority and intelligent customer for Mechanical Building Services projects.
• Guide, review and feedback on designs to ensure compliance with standards.
• Define requirements and scopes of work for tender responses.
• Lead technical and stakeholder meetings providing expert guidance.
• Undertake design validation, audits, surveys, and site inspections.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Design consultancy experience

Strong organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of HVAC systems

Education

Degree in Building Services/Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CIBSE or IMechE)

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join the Facilities Engineering Technical Authority team, supporting Devonport Royal Dockyard. This role is central to delivering technical authority and design assurance, ensuring subcontractor-led mechanical building services projects meet regulatory, technical, and business requirements.

• Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer
• Rate: Up to £75 per hour
• Contract Length: 12 Months
• Location: Plymouth 2x a week

Key Responsibilities

• Act as technical authority and intelligent customer for Mechanical Building Services projects and will guide, review and feedback on designs, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations is met.
• Extensive understanding of mechanical engineering principles for the design, operation and maintenance of Steam & Condensate, Industrial Gases, Fresh Water, Demineralised Water, HVAC, Domestic Water services etc.
• Define requirements, scopes of work, and provide estimates for tender responses.
• Lead and attend technical and stakeholder meetings, providing expert guidance using strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Undertake design validation, audits, surveys, and site inspections.
• Provide technical oversight to junior engineers and support knowledge transfer within the team.
• Maintain high-quality design documentation and records.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Building Services/Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CIBSE or IMechE) or working towards CEng.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building services systems (HVAC, steam & condensate, water services, industrial gases, etc.).
• Experience in design consultancy or contractor environments, ideally within nuclear or high-hazard industries.
• Familiar with BREEAM/DREAM, Building Regulations, and energy efficiency/decarbonisation methods.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Please note that for this role, you will have to be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

If you are qualified and interested, please apply or email [e-mail]