Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Staff Role!

Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working)
Sector: Water & Wastewater
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Lead the Design. Deliver Innovation. Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure.

Are you an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer ready to take the lead on major water and wastewater projects? Join our growing engineering team in Bristol and play a key role in delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that support communities and protect the environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, working alongside multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative, efficient and buildable engineering solutions from concept through to commissioning.

The Role

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of high-quality mechanical engineering designs for complex water and wastewater treatment projects. You'll provide technical expertise, mentor engineers, support project delivery and help shape engineering excellence across the business.

Working closely with project managers, designers and other engineering disciplines, you'll ensure designs are safe, compliant, commercially effective and delivered to the highest standards.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the mechanical design of complex water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Develop practical, innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions that meet client requirements and industry standards.
• Produce and review design calculations, technical specifications, reports and drawings.
• Coordinate mechanical designs with electrical, civil, process and ICA engineering teams.
• Ensure designs consider constructability, operability, maintainability and whole-life costs.
• Provide technical support during proposals and tender submissions, including engineering estimates.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and refining engineering procedures and best practices.
• Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the design lifecycle.
• Champion health, safety and environmental excellence within every stage of the design process.
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting technical growth across the team.
• Build strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Significant experience delivering mechanical process plant systems on complex water industry projects.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing the mechanical design of treatment facilities.
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards Chartered status) with membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong ability to develop practical, efficient and commercially viable engineering designs.
• Broad understanding of mechanical, process, electrical and project engineering principles.
• Experience delivering Design & Construct projects using digital design tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex technical solutions clearly.
• Strong IT and engineering software skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites and offices across the region.

Why Join Us?

• Deliver industry-leading projects that improve vital water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Be part of a collaborative, innovative and highly experienced engineering team.
• Hybrid working with a modern Bristol office base.
• Opportunities to lead technically challenging projects from concept through to completion.
• Ongoing professional development, mentoring and career progression.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Make a lasting impact by helping to deliver sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

If you're passionate about engineering excellence, enjoy solving complex technical challenges and are looking for your next leadership opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Principle Mechanical Engineer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.