Principal Mechanical Engineer

Bournemouth or Reading

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

We have a brand-new opportunity for a Senior or Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team based in our Bournemouth or Reading offices.

Bournemouth: we have maintained an office on the south coast for more than 45 years, building significant building services expertise and creating long-term relationships both locally and further afield.

Reading: This is a thriving town that is seeing an exponential growth across many sectors. We are supporting transformational and sustainable change with major projects, such as Station Hill and many others. We are connecting with like-minded businesses and professionals in the area.

We are eager to speak with candidates who have experience in commercial, residential, and mission-critical projects.

We are large enough to provide stability and opportunity, and small enough to recognise our people as individuals. Driven by our vision, we are committed to positively impacting the relationship between people and the planet. We create high-performing buildings that address the challenges of climate change while also providing spaces that cater to the needs of modern living.

As a Senior or Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting and delivering designs and managing a range of project types and sizes. You will work within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and support staff delivering a consistently high-quality service for clients, ensuring that repeat and new business opportunities are developed, and profitability is achieved.

In this key and varied role, you can expect to:

• 
  
• Work on a varied portfolio of projects both in the UK and internationally across key sectors.
  
• Design mechanical engineering systems at the highest level using the latest software design packages, including AutoCAD and REVIT.
  
• Lead mechanical services design on large projects and taking overall lead on small to medium-sized projects within the office.
  
• Engage with junior support staff in their day-to-day activities and offer advice and guidance to ensure they develop their skills.
  
• Ensure technical delivery in your work, either alone or as part of a team.
  
• Financially astute - work with the project leader to monitor expenditure, resources, and work delivered.
  
• Innovating and researching new ways of working, keeping abreast of competitors.
  
• Create and maintain a high reputation within the industry, adhering to quality management and risk control procedures.
  

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• 
  
• Excellent technical knowledge in Mechanical Design Engineering and a thorough understanding of Building Services Engineering and interdisciplinary design.
  
• Previous consultancy experience, with an appreciation for complementary specialisms such as acoustics, fire engineering, and computer modelling.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, to lead small to medium-sized projects, and deliver and control tasks required from a brief.
  
• Proven client-facing skills and an appreciation of client needs.
  
• Ability to mentor and supervise junior members of staff.
  
• Chartered status (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential. We are committed to supporting professional development.
  

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact

If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange a introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to , neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

We have a Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.