Senior​/Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Description Overview

As a Senior / Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of mechanical (building services) design across multidisciplinary projects, taking responsibility for technical quality, client engagement and project outcomes. You’ll play a key role in strengthening client relationships, supporting project delivery and mentoring colleagues, while contributing to the continued growth and success of the building services team in Exeter.

• Lead mechanical design delivery across all project stages, from concept through to detailed design and construction support.
• Develop a clear understanding of client requirements, manage briefings and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Prepare and review mechanical specifications, equipment schedules and technical deliverables.
• Carry out and oversee heating, cooling and ventilation calculations using industry‑standard tools (e.g., IES, Hevacomp).
• Use digital engineering tools, including Revit, to support coordinated and high‑quality BIM delivery.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and the Global Technology Centre (GTC) to enhance design quality and efficiency.
• Represent Atkins
  
  Réalis in client, contractor and design team meetings with confidence and professionalism.
• Undertake site surveys and inspections, ensuring designs are delivered in accordance with intent.
• Manage project deliverables, programme milestones and contribute to budget awareness and control.
• Support coordination with other disciplines to ensure integrated and buildable solutions.
• Mentor and support the development of junior engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to team growth, continuous improvement and work‑winning activities.

• A degree in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (CIBSE, IMechE) or is working towards chartership.
• Experience in mechanical design within a consultancy or contractor design environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of building services systems and relevant standards.
• Experience using industry software such as IES, Hevacomp, NBS and Revit.
• Understanding of BIM and coordinated design workflows within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to lead packages of work and take ownership of project deliverables.
• Good commercial awareness, including understanding of budgets and project constraints.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive and self‑motivated approach, with the ability to make decisions independently.
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of others.
• Desirable accreditation: CIBSE Low Carbon Consultant (LCC) or similar.

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices.

Make the most of training and professional development opportunities to grow your skills and expertise.

Benefit from a hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a fulfilling personal life.

This role may require security clearance. Offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of UK residency for five years or longer.

Employee – Regular.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader and are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria.

Atkins

Réalis is a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization that connects people, data and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems across various end markets.