Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
CV-LibraryManchester, Greater ManchesterpermanentPosted: 18 April 2026
Apply NowOur client is a specialist engineering and construction contractor operating across the UK water industry, partnering with major water companies to deliver complex infrastructure solutions. Due to continued growth and company expansion, they are recruiting a Principal Mechanical Engineer. This is a permanent position with a salary guide up to £80k and will provide technical leadership across projects, taking ownership of mechanical design delivery and supporting multidisciplinary coordination. This role will be based in our clients’ offices in Manchester, with the opportunity for hybrid or remote working for a strong candidate.
This Principal Mechanical Engineer role will play a key role in ensuring mechanical designs are safe, efficient, fully integrated and delivered to a high standard, while supporting the development of the wider engineering team.
What you’ll be doing:
* Leading the development of practical, efficient, and buildable mechanical design solutions.
* Reviewing and approving design deliverables, calculations, reports, and specifications.
* Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions.
* Preparing scopes for, and reviewing outputs from, subcontract M&E design teams.
* Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance, and client requirements.
* Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings, and technical discussions.
What we’re looking for:
* Significant mechanical design experience in the water industry at Senior or Principal engineering level.
* Strong experience in hydraulic design.
* Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
* Preferably a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and ideally experienced with clean water and wastewater projects.
* Experience with electrical and control systems would be very beneficial.
This is a growing engineering consultancy with excellent opportunities for career development, that are offering competitive salaries, a combined pension of 9%, Professional Membership & Chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation, regular engagement, and appraisals to support with your career progression and continuing professional development opportunities with industry specialists.
Hines Consulting is managing all applications for this Principal Mechanical Engineer vacancy, and we would love to hear from you if you meet the required criteria. If you would like a full job description and overview of my client’s organisation, then please get in touch today with a copy of your latest CV and a member of our team will make contact
This Principal Mechanical Engineer role will play a key role in ensuring mechanical designs are safe, efficient, fully integrated and delivered to a high standard, while supporting the development of the wider engineering team.
What you’ll be doing:
* Leading the development of practical, efficient, and buildable mechanical design solutions.
* Reviewing and approving design deliverables, calculations, reports, and specifications.
* Providing technical guidance and oversight across projects and supporting tender submissions.
* Preparing scopes for, and reviewing outputs from, subcontract M&E design teams.
* Ensuring designs comply with relevant technical standards, professional guidance, and client requirements.
* Attending and leading design reviews, client meetings, and technical discussions.
What we’re looking for:
* Significant mechanical design experience in the water industry at Senior or Principal engineering level.
* Strong experience in hydraulic design.
* Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
* Preferably a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and ideally experienced with clean water and wastewater projects.
* Experience with electrical and control systems would be very beneficial.
This is a growing engineering consultancy with excellent opportunities for career development, that are offering competitive salaries, a combined pension of 9%, Professional Membership & Chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation, regular engagement, and appraisals to support with your career progression and continuing professional development opportunities with industry specialists.
Hines Consulting is managing all applications for this Principal Mechanical Engineer vacancy, and we would love to hear from you if you meet the required criteria. If you would like a full job description and overview of my client’s organisation, then please get in touch today with a copy of your latest CV and a member of our team will make contact