Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Preston for a 12-month contract. The role focuses on mechanical design solutions for water infrastructure, ensuring compliance and coordination with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in the UK water sector. The position allows for hybrid work, typically requiring 1–2 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working within the UK water sector.
• Strong technical background in design of treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed mechanical design calculations for treatment processes.
• Check and review design deliverables produced by others.
• Prepare equipment specifications and schedules.

Skills

Mechanical design calculations

Design review and compliance

Equipment specifications preparation

Stakeholder coordination

Knowledge of health & safety regulations

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Preston

Duration: 12 months (contract) +

Rate: £50–£52 per hour Ltd (subject to IR35 assessment)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Working Pattern: Hybrid – typically 1–2 days per week in the Preston office (remainder remote)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our water sector design team, supporting projects across the Yorkshire Water and United Utilities frameworks. This role will focus on the delivery of mechanical design solutions for clean and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and coordination with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed mechanical design calculations for water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Check and review design deliverables produced by others to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.
• Prepare and maintain equipment specifications and schedules, ensuring correct selection and integration of mechanical plant and equipment.
• Coordinate and manage the design input of subcontractors and suppliers, reviewing and checking their deliverables.
• Produce and review design documentation, including reports, specifications, and drawings, in accordance with client and industry standards.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, regulations, and health & safety requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary design teams, project managers, and site delivery teams to achieve successful project outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working within the UK water sector (Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, or similar frameworks).
• Strong technical background in the design of water/wastewater treatment processes and pumping systems.
• Proven ability to undertake and check design calculations.
• Experience in preparing equipment specifications and schedules.
• Familiarity with coordinating and reviewing subcontractor/supplier design deliverables.
• Knowledge of relevant codes, standards, and health & safety regulations.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) would be advantageous.