Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water

THE OPPORTUNITY

The UK water sector is experiencing unprecedented investment, and Stantec is delivering the innovative engineering solutions that will help water companies improve resilience, reduce environmental impact and prepare for the future. As AMP8 gathers pace, we’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Water team in the South West.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading technical role within one of the UK's foremost multidisciplinary water consultancies. You'll work on a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects, collaborating with industry‑leading specialists to deliver mechanical engineering solutions for water and wastewater treatment works, pumping stations and conveyance systems. With a strong pipeline of AMP8 work, investment in digital engineering and a collaborative team culture, you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your career while helping deliver infrastructure that will serve communities for decades to come.

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the technical delivery of mechanical engineering projects across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction support and commissioning. Working closely with project managers, technical leaders, clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams, you will develop practical, sustainable engineering solutions that deliver successful project outcomes.

You will provide technical leadership across water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations and mechanical process systems, ensuring engineering quality, technical governance and best practice throughout project delivery. You will also mentor and support developing engineers, contribute to project planning and strengthen client relationships while helping deliver a growing portfolio of work across the South West.

Your expertise will help deliver the infrastructure that enables communities to access safe, reliable water services while supporting the industry's ambitious environmental and sustainability goals. Through innovative mechanical design, you will contribute to projects that improve treatment processes, enhance operational efficiency and increase the resilience of critical water infrastructure.

You will also help develop the next generation of engineers, sharing your technical knowledge and supporting a collaborative culture that drives engineering excellence. Your contribution will strengthen project delivery, build trusted client relationships and support Stantec's continued growth within the UK water sector.

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards Chartership.
• Experience delivering detailed mechanical design within the UK water sector.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, pumping stations and associated mechanical systems.
• Experience leading technical project delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior engineers.

• Experience working alongside delivery contractors.
• Experience across both infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting bids or framework delivery.
• Knowledge of digital engineering tools and modern methods of project delivery.

• We put people first:
  We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve:
  Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right:
  Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs…