Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the mechanical design across water and wastewater projects, shaping solutions that improve public infrastructure and environmental outcomes. You’ll mentor engineers, collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, and ensure best-practice engineering while meeting project goals. You’ll drive design quality, asset standards adherence, and client engagement within a major regional programme. This role offers impact at scale, working on schemes in the Bournemouth, Poole and South Dorset area with strong growth potential.

Pay / Benefits

• MMB pension contributions matching 4.5%–7%
• annual bonus schemes
• life assurance / private medical / critical illness
• 33 days holiday with buy/sell/carry-over options
• flexible working arrangements
• support toward professional chartership and development

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning and execution of mechanical engineering elements across projects
• Provide technical guidance and develop the team’s expertise
• Mentor and develop junior engineers
• Develop mechanical designs for water and wastewater infrastructure and related projects (P&IDs, valve schedules, pumps, tanks, process equipment, above-ground pipework, lifting and access steelwork)
• Coordinate with Electrical, Civil, Geotech and Process design teams
• Ensure application of client asset standards and participate in discussions on best practices and waivers
• Collaborate with commercial, operational and construction teams to deliver practical, safe solutions
• Engage with the client to foster a one-team approach and strong relationships

Key requirements

• Chartered Mechanical Engineer or above
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Strong knowledge of the water and/or wastewater industry
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, practices and standards for process industries
• Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet deadlines

• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Water and wastewater industry knowledge
• Mechanical engineering principles and standards for process industries
• P&IDs, valve schedules, pumps, tanks, process equipment, above-ground pipework, lifting and access steelwork

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