Job Description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic oversight for the delivery of mechanical systems across multiple infrastructure assets within a major rail and tunnelling project environment.

This role will suit a highly experienced engineer with a strong background in mechanical engineering design, construction delivery, systems integration, stakeholder management, and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will act as the senior mechanical authority, leading technical decision-making throughout the project lifecycle from detailed design development through installation, testing, commissioning, and asset handover.

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for the delivery of mechanical systems including Fire Main, Public Health, Drainage, Pumping Systems, Ventilation, and associated MEP infrastructure.

Act as the principal mechanical engineering authority across multiple project assets, ensuring engineering excellence and compliance with project requirements.

Lead Stage 5 design development and construction integration activities between client teams, design consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and delivery partners.

Review and approve complex technical submissions including drawings, calculations, BIM models, hydraulic analyses, stress/thrust calculations, and system performance assessments.

Drive engineering governance and ensure compliance with project specifications, industry standards, statutory requirements, and assurance processes.

Lead technical resolution of RFIs, EWNs, NCRs, design changes, technical queries, and interface issues.

Undertake and lead constructability reviews, value engineering initiatives, and risk mitigation activities throughout design and construction phases.

Provide strategic oversight of subcontractors, suppliers, and installation teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery.

Support procurement strategy, technical evaluations, equipment selection, supplier engagement, and approval processes.

Lead development and review of RAMS, ITPs, quality plans, testing strategies, commissioning procedures, and handover documentation.

Monitor project progress, identify engineering risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to senior project leadership.

Manage complex interfaces across civil, structural, architectural, systems, and MEP disciplines.

Chair technical workshops, design reviews, coordination meetings, and stakeholder engagement forums.

Support systems integration, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to mechanical engineers, design coordinators, and graduate engineers.

Contribute to engineering best practice, lessons learned, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement across the programme.

Required Experience

Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

Significant experience delivering mechanical systems on major infrastructure, rail, tunnelling, utilities, transportation, or heavy civil engineering projects.

Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex stakeholder environments.

Strong technical knowledge of mechanical building services, pressurised pipework systems, pumping systems, fire suppression systems, and public health infrastructure.

Extensive experience in design management, technical assurance, and construction delivery.

Strong understanding of engineering standards, specifications, design verification, and systems assurance processes.

Ability to review and approve complex technical documentation, calculations, drawings, and BIM models.

Experience managing contractor, consultant, and supplier performance.

Strong understanding of QA/QC, commissioning, and handover processes.

Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership.

Experience working on major rail, tunnelling, or transportation infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of HS2, Network Rail, London Underground, or equivalent major infrastructure standards.

Experience with systems integration, assurance, and commissioning of complex infrastructure assets.

Familiarity with BIM coordination, digital engineering, and common data environments.

Experience leading technical governance and engineering assurance reviews.

Key Attributes

Strong technical leadership and engineering judgement.

Strategic and solutions-focused mindset.

Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive technical decision-making.

Strong commercial, programme, and risk awareness.

Excellent coordination and multidisciplinary interface management skills.

Commitment to quality, safety, and engineering excellence.

Ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities within a complex project environment