Associate Director Mechanical Engineering

Overview

As an Associate Director in the D&AT practice, you will lead mechanical design delivery for complex water projects and contribute to flagship UK infrastructure programmes. You’ll head a team of engineers, coordinate multi-disciplinary work, and ensure high-quality technical outputs across pumping, treatment, and related systems. This role blends technical leadership with client and stakeholder engagement, offering visibility on landmark projects and opportunities to shape design standards. You’ll work in a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and real impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers delivering technical designs on complex, multi-disciplinary projects
• Develop mechanical design deliverables and manage time/budget to milestones and programmes
• Produce, review and approve technical deliverables (reports, drawings, calculations, scopes)
• Provide technical leadership and influence practice-wide initiatives and best practices
• Grow and manage mechanical engineering capabilities within the regional and/or national practice
• Work independently in challenging situations and mentor junior team members
• Advise on client, project, or service activities within project teams and broader initiatives
• Collaborate on technical aspects of bid proposals and deliver integrated design solutions with a multi-disciplinary team

Key requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Chartered Mechanical Engineer
• Proven experience leading large-scale mechanical design delivery for a design consultancy in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Strong knowledge of design integration for pumps, blowers, screens, chemical dosing systems
• Thorough understanding of UK design standards and relevant legislation
• Exemplary communication skills for diverse stakeholders
• Expert knowledge of design codes, industry best practices, and CDM/DSEAR awareness
• Proficiency in applicable analytical software
• Experience in the water market

• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Collaborative approach and ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Proactive problem-solving and ability to challenge status quo
• Pumping systems design
• Water and wastewater treatment design
• Knowledge of UK design standards and legislation

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