Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Water Industry

Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company, as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to work on exciting AMP8 and AMP9 projects across the UK water industry, helping clients tackle major pollution and flooding challenges.

Our Water Consultancy team consists of engineers, designers, modellers, and data analysts providing asset management and operational strategy to support business planning and delivery across the industry.

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• Experience liaising with clients to develop project plans and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Proficient in producing technical outputs such as specifications, schedules, reports, pumping and aeration system designs, and collaborating on solutions.
  
• Skilled at creating general‑arrangement drawings, 3‑D models, 2‑D plans, sections, and P&ID diagrams.
  
• Strong communication skills and ability to present to clients and design engineers, including workshops and safety reviews (HAZOP, ALMs).
  
• Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes and experience assessing site infrastructure for mechanical design.
  

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• Balance workload across many long‑term projects with water companies and contractors.
  
• Deliver positive outcomes for projects and the community.
  
• Collaborate with senior engineers and stakeholders to support project delivery.
  
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical governance.
  
• Interpret, supervise, and produce technical drawings using AutoCAD/Inventor.
  
• Conduct asset condition surveys, produce reports and recommendations.
  
• Prepare process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID).
  
• Deliver mechanical design deliverables: calculations, reports, specs, datasheets, drawings, schedules, procurements.
  
• Ensure compliance with Designer duties under CDM, including risk assessments.
  
• Maintain quality assurance systems and uphold high standards.
  
• Act as project manager, package manager, or design team leader as required.
  

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• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
  
• Significant water industry experience.
  
• Proficiency in pump selection, pumping system design, use of P&IDs for equipment, valve, pipe schedules, and producing specifications, reports and documentation.
  
• Experience with CDM Regulations and safety design.
  
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and other procurement methods.
  
• Strong project management skills, delivering on time, cost and quality.
  
• Committed to supporting junior staff development.
  
• Willingness to travel to sites as required.
  
• Knowledge of design tools such as AutoCAD or similar is an advantage.
  

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• Degree‑level qualification in mechanical engineering or an allied subject (preferably IMechE accredited).
  
• Postgraduate qualification an advantage.
  
• Chartered engineer or working towards chartership.
  

A personal development plan, transparent career pathway, flexible work arrangements, and a diversity‑inclusive culture that values innovation, wellbeing and collaboration.

Why RPS?
We enable flexible work, provide a connected community, and offer opportunities to solve global challenges as part of a leading consulting firm.

Mutual dignity and respect are central to our people processes, ensuring we attract and retain top talent worldwide.