Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Location: Hybrid – Reading (3-4 days/week office or site presence)
Type: Permanent, Hybrid

About the Role:

As Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll lead a team of dedicated engineers, shaping the “Intelligent Client” capability and contributing directly to critical AMP8 project outcomes and beyond. Your expertise in mechanical design will guide complex infrastructure programmes from initial brief through to handover, ensuring industry-leading standards and forward-thinking design.

About the Client:

Our client is a major UK utility provider undertaking a large-scale infrastructure transformation programme. With a focus on sustainable, efficient, and compliant delivery, they are redefining how water and wastewater systems serve millions across the country.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define clear technical requirements through comprehensive Project Definition Briefs.
• Develop and refine Technical Asset Standards to boost efficiency.
• Uphold the highest engineering standards in mechanical design.
• Lead and sign off on innovative mechanical designs for water and wastewater sectors.
• Inspire and manage multi-disciplinary teams on mechanically focused projects.
• Provide technical assurance and support seamless project transitions.
• Support the development and adoption of innovative technologies and research initiatives.

What Our Client is Looking For:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, ideally chartered.
• Strong background in areas such as sludge treatment, biogas/CHP, water/wastewater processes, pump/piping systems, or mechanical process equipment.
• Knowledge of the UK regulatory engineering environment.
• Proven experience in leading or overseeing mechanical design engineering projects.

What Our Client Offers:

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 depending on experience.
• £5,800 car allowance.
• 26 days annual leave (increasing to 30 with service), plus bank holidays.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Private medical health care.
• Extensive employee benefits including health assessments, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, life assurance, shopping discounts and more.

Eligibility:

• Must be based in the UK with the right to work.
• Must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a car.
• Office or site attendance required 3-4 days per week.

Opportunity for Growth:

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead from the front in a nationally significant infrastructure programme. You’ll help shape future standards, implement transformative technologies, and develop a high-performing team-while progressing your own leadership journey.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.