Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job description

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Permanent, Full Time

Hours: Mon – Fri | 40 hours (8am-5pm) + 1 in 4 week On-Call + Overtime

Location: MOD Whitehall, London

We’re recruiting a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our building maintenance team dedicated to the Ministry of Defence estate in Whitehall.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of mechanical services across a complex government building, including legacy infrastructure, critical systems, and compliance-heavy assets. The environment requires an engineer who can confidently manage and improve older plant while maintaining reliability. You’ll act as the lead mechanical authority on-site, balancing day-to-day maintenance with project delivery in a zero-failure environment. Key systems include: HVAC & environmental systems (AHUs, chillers, pressurisation), Water systems (including hygiene & compliance), Heating & energy systems, Fuel storage and associated plant and a mix of modern and legacy mechanical infrastructure.

Ex-military engineers are highly desirable due to transferable experience: Royal Navy | British Army | Royal Marines

Key Responsibilities

• Take technical lead on all mechanical projects across the estate
• Deliver Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive works on critical plant
• Manage and improve performance of legacy mechanical assets
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and contractual requirements
• Provide hands-on fault finding, troubleshooting, and technical support
• Oversee contractors and specialist service providers for project and maintenance works
• Prepare technical scope, recommendations, and quotations for remedial or project works
• Maintain high standards of safety, documentation, and reporting

What We’re Looking For

• Strong mechanical background in building services / FM
• Experience working with older/legacy plant and infrastructure
• Experience in critical environments (defence, healthcare, data centres, etc.)
• Hands-on knowledge of HVAC, water systems, pumps, valves, pipework
• Strong understanding of compliance and safe systems of work

Security Requirements:

Candidates must be sole UK nationals eligible for DV clearance; they may start after SC clearance but will be shadowed on-site for around six months until DV is granted.

Interested? Apply now to take the lead on critical mechanical projects at MOD Whitehall.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

02-04-2026

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