Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Associates is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a diverse team on water and infrastructure projects across the UK. Hybrid/flexible working is offered to suit project needs.

You will lead design deliverables from concept through to construction, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance while coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams. Chartered status is desirable; strong piping and treatment plant knowledge is a plus.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in mechanical design for infrastructure projects.
• Water/wastewater sector experience preferred.
• Experience in contracting or consultancy environments.

Responsibilities

• Produce and review mechanical design deliverables per project requirements.
• Act as technical checker to ensure QA and compliance of design outputs.
• Develop cost-effective mechanical solutions balancing capex and opex.
• Ensure safe, buildable designs aligned with operational needs.
• Integrate mechanical designs with civil, electrical, and process disciplines.
• Collaborate with Design Managers and project teams.
• Provide design reviews, risk assessments, client meetings, QA governance.
• Support procurement, supply chain, and construction/site delivery.
• Mentor junior engineers and support accreditation pathways.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Infrastructure projects

Pumping systems & treatment plant

Whole-life cost awareness

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status (desirable)

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Annesley (Hybrid / Flexible)

Sector: Water / Infrastructure

Employer: Leading Tier 1 Contractor

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a growing engineering team within a leading Tier 1 contractor delivering major water and infrastructure projects across the UK.

This is a key technical position, responsible for delivering high‑quality mechanical design solutions across the full project lifecycle, from concept through to detailed design and construction support. The role requires ensuring designs meet regulatory, safety, and commercial requirements while contributing to multi‑disciplinary project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce and review mechanical design deliverables in line with project requirements and industry standards.
• Act as a technical checker, ensuring quality assurance and compliance of design outputs.
• Develop efficient, cost‑effective solutions balancing capital and operational expenditure.
• Ensure designs are safe, buildable, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Integrate mechanical designs with other disciplines (civil, electrical, process, etc.).
• Collaborate closely with Design Managers, Principal Engineers, and project teams.
• Provide technical support for:
  • Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and client meetings.
  • Contribute to maintaining robust design governance and quality procedures.
• Engage in procurement and supply chain activities.
• Support construction and site delivery phases.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and graduate engineers.
• Support team development and progression toward professional accreditation (e.g., IMechE, ICE).
• Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the discipline.
• Ensure designs comply with:
  • Support design assurance processes and regulatory compliance across projects.
  • Relevant H&S legislation and CDM regulations.
  • Industry standards and best practices.
  • Internal quality management systems.

About You

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is desirable.
• Significant experience in mechanical design within infrastructure projects.
• Background in water and/or wastewater sectors preferred.
• Experience working in a contracting or consultancy environment.
• Strong track record of delivering designs within multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems relevant to infrastructure (e.g., pumping systems, treatment plant equipment, pipework).
• Knowledge of relevant standards, regulations, and H&S requirements.
• Experience reviewing subcontractor or supplier design documentation.
• Commercial awareness and ability to consider whole‑life cost impacts.

If you’re a motivated mechanical design engineer looking to take the next step in your career and contribute to complex infrastructure projects, we’d love to hear from you.