Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing design contractor in the UK seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical design in water and wastewater projects. The role, which offers a hybrid working model, involves producing and reviewing designs, mentoring junior engineers, and supporting project managers. Ideal candidates will have a strong mechanical engineering background, particularly in the water sector, and must be degree qualified. Join a team where senior engineers have genuine influence and the chance to work on significant infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working model

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in mechanical design within the UK water and wastewater sector.
• Experience delivering designs through all project stages, from concept to construction.
• Good understanding of water industry standards, specifications and design guidance.

Responsibilities

• Produce and review mechanical design calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Develop mechanical solutions for water and wastewater assets.
• Support project managers with programme, scope and technical queries.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior mechanical engineers.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Water and Wastewater Engineering

Multi-disciplinary Coordination

Technical Guidance

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Water & Wastewater

Location : Manchester (Hybrid working)

Engagement : Permanent or Contract (Outside IR35)

Rate / Salary : Competitive + benefits (or day rate for contractors)

A growing design contractor delivering water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the UK is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to play a key role in the technical delivery of mechanical design packages across clean water and wastewater schemes.

This role can be offered on either a permanent or outside IR35 contract basis and would suit an experienced mechanical engineer who enjoys hands‑on design work while also providing technical guidance and support to wider project teams.

The Role

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for producing and reviewing mechanical designs from concept through to detailed design and construction support. Working closely with civil, electrical and process engineers, the role will focus on developing practical, buildable solutions for water and wastewater assets, including treatment works, pumping stations and associated infrastructure.

The position offers exposure to a broad range of projects within a small, agile design team, with the opportunity to influence technical solutions and support the development of junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce and review mechanical design calculations, drawings and specifications
• Develop mechanical solutions for water and wastewater assets, including pumps, pipework and mechanical plant
• Support multi-disciplinary coordination and resolve design interfaces
• Provide technical input into design reviews, hazard studies and value engineering
• Support project managers with programme, scope and technical queries
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior mechanical engineers
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, specifications and asset owner requirements

About You

Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Strong background in mechanical design within the UK water and wastewater sector

Experience delivering designs through all project stages, from concept to construction

Good understanding of water industry standards, specifications and design guidance

Comfortable working both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Chartered or working towards CEng with IMechE or similar is desirable

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a design‑led contractor with a strong pipeline of water and wastewater work, where senior engineers are given genuine technical influence and visibility. Whether on a permanent or outside IR35 contract basis, the role offers flexibility, variety and the chance to work on projects that contribute to essential infrastructure and environmental improvement.

Hybrid working is supported, with regular collaboration from the Manchester office.