Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Title

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Introduction

Are you ready to lead ground-breaking projects that shape the future of water management? We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Engineer to join our team and drive innovation in the delivery of essential infrastructure.

Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

Location & hours

Remote working, with occasional site visits to our head office in Brighton

Full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week; however Southern Water offer a flexible working policy

Package

* Salary: to be discussed at interview stage

* Company and performance-related bonus

* Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

* 25 days annual leave

* Health Cash Plan

* Life assurance equal to 4x salary

* Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)

* Fully funded eye tests

* Two paid volunteering days a year

* Occupational health service

* Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

* Digital GP service

* Study support may be available for job-related qualifications

* Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options

* Cycle to work scheme

* Free parking

* Located close to a vibrant city and live & work in a region that includes more than 800km of pristine coastline

* Office located close to local amenities (gym, train station, good rail connections, etc)

Job Overview

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team focused on creating innovative and sustainable solutions for complex water and wastewater projects. Your role will involve developing outline designs for cutting-edge, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible water recycling plants and other advanced facilities. With an emphasis on innovation, you will have the opportunity to evaluate and trial new technologies and products, helping to shape the future of the water industry.

We will develop you to become an expert in an engineering area, so you not only become the company technical specialist, but also a national expert and partake in the formulation of national standards.

About You

Qualifications:

* MSc/MEng in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

* Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with the IET or equivalent institution

Experience: A minimum of 8 years experience within a relevant industry

Skills: Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive innovation and manage complex engineering challenges.

Full driving licence, as you will be attending site visits.

Responsibilities:

* Ensure that every design you lead is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

* Provide expert guidance on design calculations and specifications.

* Challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.

* Research industry best practices and introduce cutting-edge digital design concepts.

* Collaborate with supply chains to enhance efficiency and technical standards.

* Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering their professional growth.

* Deliver projects that exceed budget expectations by implementing cost-effective solutions.

Privacy Statement

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered