Principle/Associate Mechanical Engineer

5S Recruitment Limited; Tyseley; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected building services consultancy is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead technical delivery in Birmingham. The role involves client engagement, project ownership, and team leadership in a hybrid working environment. Ideal candidates are Chartered or working towards Chartership, with strong backgrounds in mechanical building services. Competitive salary up to £55,000 for Associate-level candidates. Excellent team culture with a focus on proper engineering practices and career development.

Benefits

Private medical cover

25 days holiday, rising to 30 with service

Car allowance

Contributory pension

Paid professional memberships

Hybrid/flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing projects and mitigating risks.
• Sound knowledge of UK regulations and design standards.
• Experience in mentoring and developing engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical delivery across a varied Property Services portfolio.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients.
• Manage technical quality, compliance, and commercial risk.

Skills

Strong mechanical building services background

Project management experience

Leadership and team development

Clear communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership

Tools

Revit

IES

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Property Services | Birmingham | Hybrid Working

Salary: £50,000 - up to £55,000 for Associate-level candidates (Chartered or working towards Chartership)

The Opportunity

My client, a long-established and highly respected building services consultancy, is looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Engineer into their Property Services team in Birmingham.

This is a senior, trusted role with real autonomy. The successful Principal Mechanical Engineer will sit at the intersection of technical delivery, client engagement, and team leadership not just producing designs, but shaping how work is delivered and how the team grows.

About My Client

My client has been delivering high-quality MEP engineering solutions for decades and has built an enviable reputation through repeat business, technical credibility, and long-term client relationships.

They focus on doing what they are good at properly. No over-stretching, no race-to-the-bottom delivery. Big enough to offer stability, project variety, and career progression; small enough that individuals are recognised and trusted.

Retention is strong. That tells you everything.

The Role

As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in both delivery and development within the Property Services group.

You'll support regional leadership, lead mechanical workstreams, and take ownership of projects, clients, and people. This is a hands‑on Principal role, leadership by capability, not job title.

A principle level engineer operating at Associate level, and Chartered or working towards Chartership, will be fully considered.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Delivery

• Lead mechanical delivery across a varied Property Services portfolio
• Deliver projects up to circa £3m in value
• Manage technical quality, compliance, and commercial risk
• Provide senior technical support to internal teams and external stakeholders
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting succession planning

Client & Work Winning

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to end users, landlords, managing agents, and project managers
• Contribute to work winning and repeat business
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships

Property Services Scope

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work across three core service areas:

Technical Due Diligence

• Condition and pre‑acquisition surveys
• Dilapidations
• Licences to Alter
• Associated technical reporting

Plant Replacement & Small Projects

• Boiler and chiller replacement schemes
• Feasibility studies and surveys
• Mechanical design
• Construction site duties, contract administration and project management

Maintenance & Operational Services

• Quarterly building inspections
• Planned preventative maintenance strategies
• Asset registers
• Fault finding and troubleshooting
• Energy optimisation and EPCs

Projects span commercial, residential, retail, education, healthcare, defence, heritage, industrial and technology sectors, predominantly UK‑based.

What My Client Is Looking For

Essential

• Strong mechanical building services background
• Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership
• Proven experience managing projects and mitigating risk
• Sound knowledge of UK regulations and design standards
• Ability to lead, influence, and develop engineering teams

Technical Tools

• Revit
• IES
• Microsoft Office

Personal Attributes

• Clear, confident communicator
• Organised, structured, and deadline‑driven
• Commercially aware
• Credible in front of clients and comfortable in a leadership role

Benefits

• Private medical cover
• Life assurance and income protection
• Car allowance / lease car scheme
• 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)
• Contributory pension
• Paid professional memberships
• Flexitime
• 9‑day fortnight
• Hybrid / flexible working
• Holiday buy & sell
• Study assistance
• Cycle to work
• Share purchase scheme
• Gym, retail, travel and insurance discounts
• 5S Recruitment View

This is a genuine opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer or a strong Associate ready to step into that space to join a consultancy that values proper engineering, trusts its people, and rewards capability rather than box‑ticking.

If you want responsibility, variety, and progression without corporate theatre, my client will appeal.