Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water

Access Talent Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer in the water sector to provide technical leadership and strategic guidance. This role involves managing complex mechanical designs and mentoring engineers. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in the water sector. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Discretionary bonus

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Experienced mechanical engineer with focus on delivery and leadership.
• Extensive experience in detailed mechanical design within the water sector.
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and manage high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex mechanical design on large-scale infrastructure schemes.
• Provide technical leadership on water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Mentor and develop engineers while building a strong team culture.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Mentoring

Water sector knowledge

Project delivery

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered status (CEng) preferred

Job description

Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water

(BST: 8:00 - 18:00 (Mon/Thurs) 8:00 - 16:00 (Fri))

Access Talent Group are currently recruiting for a global engineering and environmental consultancy currently looking for Senior Principal Mechanical Engineers within the water sector.

This consultancy brings together tens of thousands of professionals working across hundreds of locations worldwide. With a long-established presence in the UK, the organisation partners with clients and communities to plan, design, deliver and manage the infrastructure and development needed to create sustainable, healthy and prosperous places.

Its teams provide practical, forward-thinking solutions that turn client ambitions into achievable consents, deliverable project plans and efficient, buildable designs. Grounded in technical excellence and strong market insight, the business addresses today’s challenges while helping to shape a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for communities.

You will be playing a central role in delivering the next phase of major investment in UK water infrastructure. With a significant programme of work underway, the business is seeking a senior leader within the sector to provide technical leadership and strategic guidance across the UK.

The Role – Influence, Lead, Deliver

This is a senior leadership position with high visibility across the organisation. The successful candidate will act as a technical authority while helping to shape regional capability and growth.

Strategic Oversight – Lead complex mechanical design on large-scale infrastructure and non-infrastructure schemes, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and construction support.

Technical Leadership – Provide expert direction on water and wastewater treatment facilities, conveyance systems and pumping stations, delivering resilient and future-ready solutions.

People Leadership – Take full line management responsibility, mentoring and developing engineers while building a strong, high-performing team culture.

Collaborative Delivery – Work closely with technical leaders, clients, contractors and supply chain partners to influence outcomes, drive efficiency and ensure successful project delivery.

Professional Development

This role offers long-term progression within a global technical environment, including:

• Access to international technical networks and knowledge-sharing forums
• Support for advanced professional development and leadership training
• Involvement in one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes in the sector, offering the opportunity to work on career-defining projects

About You

• You are an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong focus on delivery and the leadership skills to guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered status (CEng) preferred
• Extensive experience in detailed mechanical design within the water sector
• Experience working alongside delivery contractors is advantageous
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and manage high-performing teams
• 37.5 hours a week
• Hybrid 3 days a week working in the office
• 25 days annual leave + bank holiday and Christmas shut down
• Discretionary bonus

How to apply

If you are passionate about Water and want to be working for one of the leading consultants in the sector, please contact Cameron Green on 02380981322 or Email [e-mail]

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