Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Pertemps TM; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Bristol seeks a Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a dynamic team focused on innovative building services solutions. The role involves leading projects from concept to delivery while mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should possess a degree in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering and have experience in designing mechanical systems. Strong leadership and sustainable design knowledge are essential. This position offers clear pathways for progression and a supportive environment focused on professional development.

Benefits

Clear progression pathways

Support for professional development

Opportunity to influence complex projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and delivering mechanical building services systems.
• Strong understanding of low-carbon, sustainable design principles.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and eligible to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical building services systems.
• Oversee projects from concept to completion while ensuring compliance.
• Mentor and support junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration skills

Technical communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards Chartership

Tools

Amtech Prodesign

IES VE

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Bristol

Discipline : Mechanical Building Services

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join a growing multi-disciplinary building services team. You’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative group delivering projects from early-stage strategy and concept design through to detailed design, construction and post-completion evaluation.

This role is ideal for a Senior Engineer ready to step up, or an established Principal Engineer seeking more autonomy, leadership and influence in project delivery and team development.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical building services systems, including calculations, schematics, specifications, models, equipment schedules and technical documentation.
• Oversee projects from concept to completion, ensuring technical excellence, innovation and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Attend and lead design team meetings with clients, contractors and stakeholders – acting as a trusted technical advisor.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, contributing to their professional growth and development.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation and delivery programmes to ensure high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Engage in continuous professional development and stay informed on emerging technologies, low‑carbon solutions and industry best practice.
• Support business activities such as project reviews, proposals, bid preparation or client development (for Principal-level responsibilities).

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Degree qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards Chartership with a clear plan to achieve it.
• Proven experience designing and delivering mechanical building services systems.
• Strong understanding and application of low‑carbon, sustainable design principles.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly using various media – drawings, reports, presentations and digital models.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and collaboration skills; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to manage workload, meet deadlines and thrive under pressure.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and eligible to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience in sectors such as residential, commercial, education, healthcare, secure environments, leisure or critical systems.
• Project management, commercial awareness and programme delivery skills.
• Experience with client-facing work, business development, bid writing or tender processes.
• Professional network within the building services / engineering community.

Software & Technical Tools

• Amtech Prodesign
• IES VE
• Dialux / Relux / Radiance
• Revit / AutoCAD / Navisworks
• SketchUp
• Microsoft Office Suite & Microsoft Project

Why Join?

• Work within a forward-thinking team passionate about engineering excellence and innovation.
• Opportunity to influence complex projects and shape design outcomes across multiple sectors.
• Clear progression pathways – from Senior to Principal and beyond.
• Supportive environment that encourages CPD, Chartership and technical development.