Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water Sector

Step into a pivotal role at Stantec where your technical mastery meets the front lines of the challenges facing the water industry today. As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer within our South of England Water team, you will be leading the design of mechanical systems that ensure water security and environmental resilience for water companies across the UK and Ireland.

Whether you choose to base yourself in Brighton, Ashford, Kings Hill, or Southampton, you are joining a consultancy at the peak of its growth, offering you a high-visibility platform to sharpen your expertise and lead complex, multi-million-pound frameworks.

This is a high-visibility leadership position with the potential opportunity to take on regional leadership of the discipline. As a Senior Principal, you aren’t just a technical expert; you are a guardian of engineering excellence and a pivotal figure in our regional growth.

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• Strategic Oversight: Lead complex mechanical design for large-scale infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, from initial feasibility and optioneering to final construction support.
  
• Technical Authority: Act as the lead for water/wastewater treatment plants, conveyance systems, and pumping stations, ensuring sustainable, future-proof solutions.
  
• Team Mastery: You will hold full line management responsibilities, shaping the next generation of engineers through active mentorship and professional development.
  
• Collaborative Power: Work as a peer to Technical Leaders and Clients, influencing project outcomes and driving efficiency across our supply chain and contracting partners.
  

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• Pathway to Global Leadership: Access to international technical networks and “thought leadership” forums.
  
• Industry-Leading Development: We provide the backing for specialised certifications and executive leadership training.
  
• AMP8 Impact: You will be at the forefront of the largest investment cycle the industry has seen, giving you the platform to deliver career-defining projects.
  

You will be a seasoned professional with a “delivery-first” mindset and the emotional intelligence to lead a diverse team. You will be degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, ideally with Chartered (CEng) status.

You will also have extensive experience in detailed design within the water sector, a background working alongside delivery contractors and a track record of developing engineers and managing high‑performing teams.

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• World‑Class Reputation: Named International Consulting Firm of the Year and Best Place to Work (NCE Awards 2024).
  
• Sustainability Leaders: Consistently ranked in the Top 10 Corporate Knights most sustainable companies globally.
  
• The Package: A competitive salary, private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that prioritizes your wellbeing.
  
• Framework Variety: Our teams across the Midlands provide valuable input to local clients such as Severn Trent & Welsh Water, along with supporting frameworks across the UK & Ireland.
  

Join us and define the standard for AMP8 and beyond.

#UKWater

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The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 8453