Principal Mechanical Engineer

Kintec Global Recruitment; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Kintec Global Recruitment is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a permanent role based in Manchester. The candidate will lead cross-disciplinary mechanical design for water sector projects, review technical deliverables, and mentor junior staff.

The role requires extensive water industry design experience, strong hydraulic design skills, and a Chartered Engineer status is preferred. A full UK driving licence is beneficial for site activities and client meetings.

Qualifications

• Extensive mechanical design experience in water projects.
• Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Chartered Engineer status is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead practical, efficient, and buildable mechanical design solutions for water sector projects.
• Review and approve calculations, reports, specifications, and deliverables.
• Act as Design Lead and coordinate across disciplines.
• Direct and mentor engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates.
• Scope and review work from subcontract M&E design teams.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to develop designs.
• Ensure compliance with technical standards and client requirements.
• Support tenders, resource planning, and design effort estimates.
• Lead design reviews, client meetings, and technical discussions.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hydraulic design

Engineering leadership

IT/digital design

Mentoring/team leadership

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

HND in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status (preferred)

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Manchester

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000

Sector: Water (Clean & Wastewater) | Mechanical Design

Key Responsibilities

• Lead practical, efficient, and buildable mechanical design solutions for water sector projects.
• Review and approve calculations, reports, specifications, and deliverables.
• Act as Design Lead and coordinate across disciplines.
• Direct and mentor engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates.
• Scope and review work from subcontract M&E design teams.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to develop designs.
• Ensure compliance with technical standards and client requirements.
• Support tenders, resource planning, and design effort estimates.
• Lead design reviews, client meetings, and technical discussions.

Requirements

• Extensive mechanical design experience in the water industry (typically 8-12+ years).
• Strong hydraulic design experience.
• Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Strong IT and digital design capability.
• Proven ability to lead design delivery and support junior engineers.
• Experience across clean water and wastewater, plus electrical and control systems, beneficial.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.