Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates; Stirling; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Associates is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a growing team delivering major water and infrastructure projects in the UK. The role covers full lifecycle design from concept through to construction support, balancing safety, regulation and commercial requirements.

You will deliver high‑quality mechanical solutions, integrate with multi‑discipline teams, and provide guidance to junior engineers while supporting governance and continuous improvement across projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status desirable.
• Significant experience in mechanical design within infrastructure projects.
• Water/wastewater sector experience preferred.
• Experience in contracting or consultancy environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems for infrastructure (pumping, treatment).

Responsibilities

• Produce and review mechanical design deliverables per project requirements.
• Act as technical checker to assure QA and design output compliance.
• Develop cost‑effective solutions balancing capex and opex.
• Ensure safe, buildable designs aligned with operational needs.
• Integrate mechanical with civil, electrical and process disciplines.
• Collaborate with Design Managers and project teams throughout delivery.
• Provide support during design reviews, risk assessments and client meetings.
• Engage in procurement and construction phase activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and support professional accreditation aims.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and design governance.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Contracting/consultancy

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Grangemouth (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. You will play a pivotal role in 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 that balance 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 during design reviews, risk assessments, client meetings, and contribute to maintaining robust design governance and quality procedures.
• Engage in procurement and supply‑chain activities and construction and site‑delivery phases.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and graduate engineers.
• Support team development toward professional accreditation (e.g., IMechE, ICE).
• Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the discipline.
• Support design assurance processes and regulatory compliance across projects.
• Ensure designs comply with H&S legislation, CDM regulations; industry standards; best practices; and 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.