Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

In this role you will lead mechanical engineering efforts for process plant projects in fine chemicals, pharma, and related industries. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver design, calculations, and construction support, shaping solutions from feasibility to commissioning. You’ll manage technical delivery, costs, and program across project stages while collaborating with clients and internal disciplines. This is an opportunity to influence safe, compliant, and cost-effective plant design on landmark projects with global impact. You’ll join a collaborative culture that values expertise, leadership, and delivering value to customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering on selected projects, overseeing technical delivery and schedule
• Design, calculations, specifications, and data sheets for piping and plant equipment
• Assist with flowsheets and engineering line diagrams; supervise 3D plant layout and pipework design
• Provide site support during construction and commissioning; perform field engineering
• Conduct design studies, safety reviews, and risk assessments; ensure regulatory compliance
• Coordinate with other disciplines; develop cost estimates and resource forecasts
• Lead and mentor graduate engineers; manage design programmes and man-hours

Key requirements

• Experience in mechanical design engineering for process industries
• Design, layout, and specification of process plant and piping in pharma, food, and fine chemicals
• Experience with contracting and/or process plant operators beneficial
• Proficiency in CAD and 3D modelling; experience with Caesar II or equivalent
• Familiarity with piping design codes (ASME B31.3/BS EN 13480) and safety standards (PER/ATEX/CDM)
• Construction site experience on process projects; team leadership experience
• Degree in mechanical engineering (BEng/BSc/MEng); Chartered Engineer desirable
• 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience

• leadership
• client-facing communication
• organized, logical thinking
• CAD
• 3D modelling
• Caesar II (or equivalent)

…