Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer (Lead / Principal grade)

Location: Preston (Hybrid Working)

Rate: £50 - £55ph Ltd

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 + benefits

Overview:

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer (contract or permanent) to lead the design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This is a key technical leadership role within the team, providing strategic input across project lifecycles, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving engineering excellence across mechanical packages.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure for clean and wastewater treatment works.
• Lead the development of detailed mechanical designs, including drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Oversee and direct site assessments, feasibility studies, and design reviews; provide expert input during construction to resolve complex technical issues.
• Act as the mechanical discipline lead, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure robust, compliant, and sustainable solutions.
• Drive adherence to WIMES, DWI, and relevant British/European mechanical standards, ensuring best practice is embedded across all design activities.
• Take ownership of mechanical work packages on major schemes.
• Mentor, support, and develop junior and mid-level engineers.

Requirements:

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in the design and delivery of mechanical systems for UK water infrastructure projects, ideally within AMP frameworks.
• Deep understanding of relevant industry standards (WIMES, DWI) and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Chartered Engineer status with IMechE or equivalent (or demonstrable equivalent experience and capability).

Reach out to Molly Brown @ Advance TRS to find out more.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Preston

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

10-03-2026

Profession type

Manufacturing / Industrial

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English