Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Thames Water Utilities Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead innovative projects in the water and wastewater sector. You will collaborate with experts, drive high-impact mechanical design, and ensure compliance with engineering standards. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree, significant experience, and be close to obtaining Chartered status. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

Benefits

26-30 days holiday

Health and wellbeing benefits

Performance-related pay plan

Qualifications

• Recognised senior engineer status or working towards Chartered status.
• Experience in the water industry or a related sector.
• Ability to support quantity surveyors in cost modelling.

Responsibilities

• Complete designs for complex engineering processes.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams on projects.
• Conduct root cause analyses of equipment failures.

Skills

Chartered Engineer status

Mechanical Engineering expertise

Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment

Understanding of pumps/pipe systems

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job title: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Ref 42577. Division: Asset Operations & Capital Delivery. Location: Hybrid – Clearwater Court – RG1 8DB. Contract type: Permanent Full/Part–time: Full–time. Salary: Competitive salary from GBP55,000 to GBP70,000 per annum depending on experience. Job grade: B. Closing date: 17/10/2025

Ready to lead the future of engineering?

We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who thrives on innovation and solving complex challenges. Join us and help shape the 'Intelligent Client' that will drive our AMP8 ambitions and beyond.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of mechanical design in the water and wastewater industry–leading high–impact projects, collaborating with expert teams, and ensuring designs meet the highest standards. You'll investigate root causes, influence project direction with your technical expertise, and pioneer new technologies through cutting–edge research.

This is your chance to help build a 'Centre of Excellence' for engineering and support the development of a sustainable talent pipeline–from graduates to industry leaders.

Be part of Thames Water's engineering transformation. Apply now and make your mark on AMP8 and beyond.

What you'll be doing as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

• Complete the design of complex engineering processes in the water and wastewater industry.
• Support multidisciplinary teams in developing solutions to engineering challenges for operational plants to ensure adherence to stringent design codes.
• Lead and coordinate multi–disciplinary teams for mechanically biased projects.
• Undertake equipment failure root cause analysis investigations to establish failure methods and reduce the impact and future occurrence.
• Provide technical input into project definition briefs.
• Provide mechanical input into asset surveys and plant condition assessments, feasibility studies, whole–life costing, and preliminary designs.
• Provide technical sign–off and assurance during technical delivery, including handover.
• Ensure we are compliant with engineering–based regulatory requirements in their area.
• Support testing and development of new technologies for implementation in research projects.
• Provide the technical sign‑off (accountability) and assurance that the project's needs will be fulfilled during technical delivery, including handover and commissioning.
• Support the establishment of a 'Centre of Excellence' for engineering.
• Support the establishment of a cohesive, sustainable engineering structure from graduate to industry experts that leads Thames Water's engineering requirements into AMP8 and beyond.

Hybrid – Clearwater Court (Reading), you will be required in the office and on–site 2–3 days a week and as the business requires.

36 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working opportunities.

You must have a driver's licence and access to a vehicle for this role.

What you should bring to the role

The essential criteria you need:

• Be a recognised senior engineer (Chartered or close to achieving Chartered Status) in Mechanical Engineering with experience in the water industry or a closely related equivalent sector.
• Be degree qualified or equivalent in mechanical engineering with a relevant awarding body/working towards chartership.
• Provide background on supporting quantity surveyors/cost estimating teams in the scope development for cost modelling and budgetary proposals.
• Be knowledgeable in any of the following: pumps/pipe systems, sludge, gas/CHP systems, and water/wastewater treatment process equipment.
• Understand the regulatory environment to achieve compliance with our engineering regulatory requirements.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary from GBP55,000 to GBP70,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service.
• Access to many benefits to help you take care of your and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
• Performance–related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We are committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work.