Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water

The UK water sector is undergoing its most ambitious investment programme in decades, and Stantec is at the forefront of delivering the infrastructure that will improve water security, protect the environment and build more resilient communities. As AMP8 progresses, we're looking for a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Water team in the South West
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As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer you will provide strategic technical leadership across major infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects, overseeing delivery from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning.

You will act as a senior technical authority across water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations and conveyance systems, ensuring engineering excellence, innovation and robust technical governance throughout project delivery. Working closely with project managers, technical leaders, clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams, you will help shape engineering solutions while supporting framework growth and strengthening long‑term client partnerships.

Alongside your project responsibilities you will lead, mentor and develop engineers across the business, providing line management, building technical capability and helping define the future direction of our Mechanical Engineering discipline.

Your leadership will directly influence the delivery of critical infrastructure that enables water companies to meet increasing environmental expectations, improve operational resilience and provide reliable services for millions of customers. Through technical excellence and strategic thinking you will help deliver sustainable engineering solutions that benefit both clients and communities.

Beyond project delivery you will play a significant role in developing future engineering leaders, embedding best practice and driving continuous improvement across the Mechanical Engineering discipline. Your expertise will strengthen client confidence, support business growth and reinforce Stantec's reputation as one of the UK's leading engineering consultancies.

Essential:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Extensive experience delivering complex mechanical engineering projects within the UK water sector.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations and mechanical process systems.
• Experience mentoring, developing and managing engineering teams.
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting framework growth, bids and business development.
• Experience establishing engineering standards and technical governance.
• Experience working collaboratively with contractors on major capital programmes.
• Knowledge of digital engineering tools and modern methods of delivery.

• We put people first: Friendly, inclusive, collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Recognised by major industry awards and sustainability rankings.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development, paid professional subscriptions and a progression plan to become chartered.
• We are better together: Supportive team environment and ERG network.
• Growth: Exciting growth journey across the UK.
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, optional additional leave, private medical insurance, group income protection and life assurance, discounted gym membership and more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working: Healthy work‑life balance with a hybrid approach to flexible working.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Stantec is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.