Principal Mechanical Engineer (Energy)

Principal Mechanical Engineer (Energy)

Join to apply for the Principal Mechanical Engineer (Energy) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

Job Description

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

A Little More About Your Role

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Energy Transition Team. Working as part of a large engineering group you will lead the development of mechanical designs on a wide range of energy projects from initial inception through development, construction, operation and decommissioning. Projects include conventional power plant, energy‑from‑waste plants, industrial facilities and carbon capture schemes.

The team’s expertise covers all thermal generation and conversion technologies and includes novel, first‑of‑a‑kind concepts and other low or zero carbon technologies such as future fuels and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Working together with private developers, power utilities, government bodies, banks, lending agencies, contractors and OEMs we safely deliver projects whilst meeting and exceeding client expectations.

You should be experienced in the delivery of concept, FEED and detail design work, and be familiar with working for an OEM, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor or a similar organisation. Experience of working in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and an understanding of asset integrity processes and procedures would be highly advantageous to help support our clients with technical advice on their existing facilities and operational plant. You should have knowledge of gas turbine and preferably reciprocating engine power train solutions.

Location is flexible across our UK office network.

In This Role You Will Be

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• Working with the project team to develop cost‑effective, efficient and innovative solutions to complex problems to create practical designs based on these solutions
  
• Working on projects in a variety of stages of maturity, including Feasibility Studies, Concept Designs, FEED Studies, Value Engineering and Detailed Design
  
• Preparation of mechanical deliverables such as calculations, equipment specifications and datasheets for turbines, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, heat exchangers
  
• Working closely with process engineers in development of process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams
  
• Supporting development of plant layouts and plant 3D models
  
• Working with equipment vendors on developing designs of equipment packages and participating in technical evaluations of vendor designs
  
• Providing engineering advice and technical solutions in relation to plant integrity issues on operational assets
  
• Developing proposals and bids for the mechanical discipline and contributing to multi‑disciplinary proposals
  

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

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• A degree in a relevant engineering subject
  
• Chartered Engineer or working towards IEng/CEng and a member of a relevant engineering institute
  
• Post‑graduate work experience within the Power Generation or Oil & Gas industry
  
• Knowledge of national and international codes and standards used within the industry covering design and manufacturing requirements of plant equipment and piping
  
• Experience of carrying out pressure vessel and piping design and stress analysis
  
• Experience of working with mechanical designers and pipe stress engineers on plant 3D models
  
• Proficient in the use of MS Excel to create schedules and datasheets, MathCAD to undertake engineering calculations and solve engineering problems
  
• Experience of thermal plant operational and integrity issue troubleshooting and problem solving
  

Benefits and Working Life
Work‑life balance

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people through our Thrive programme. We provide a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flexible Working

WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also offer part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Development

We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring or chartership.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

Legal and Equality Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.