Principal Mechanical Engineer

Working here isn’t just a job. You can advance your career at Avove, and we’ll reward you with a range of benefits that recognise great work. We provide full training and continuous development to help you reach your potential. We strive to create an inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves. Join us and take the next step towards a fulfilling career.

Due to continued company growth, Avove is looking to appoint a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our expanding Design function. You will play a leading role in the delivery of mechanical design across a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater projects, providing technical leadership to multi‑disciplinary design teams. Our work spans both infrastructure and non‑infrastructure schemes, covering all project stages from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design for construction.

The role includes developing practical, high‑quality engineering solutions for pumping stations, treatment works, mechanical screening, chemical dosing and sludge handling systems, as well as producing comprehensive mechanical design packages to support successful project delivery.

Warrington (Avove offers flexible hybrid working, with a combination of office and remote working)

• Lead the development of high‑quality, innovative and cost‑effective design solutions in line with project briefs and client requirements.
• Deliver projects through feasibility, preliminary and detailed design stages, maintaining high technical standards throughout.
• Provide technical leadership, including checking and approving designs, calculations, drawings, technical reports, contract documents and cost estimates.
• Liaise closely with clients, stakeholders and site construction teams to ensure clear communication and successful project delivery.
• Manage and mentor a multi‑disciplinary team of engineers and technicians, including performance reviews and professional development.
• Lead on bid preparation, contract development, project planning, programming, resource management and budget control.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation, including CDM regulations, and adherence to the integrated management system.
• Stay informed of new technologies, industry developments and best practice to drive innovation and continuous improvement.

• Proven ability to produce, check and approve detailed mechanical design outputs for complex process plant.
• Excellent working knowledge of both wastewater and clean water treatment processes.
• Strong capability to develop practical, robust engineering solutions.
• A creative, forward‑thinking approach, identifying innovative solutions that add value and give Avove a competitive edge.
• Working knowledge of civil and electrical disciplines would be advantageous.
• Ability to prepare accurate bottom‑up cost estimates.
• Experience managing and delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
• A proactive team player and effective communicator, capable of managing design delivery from concept through to construction, including site support.
• Willingness to travel as required, including occasional overnight stays.
• Full driving licence required.

Please note that candidates with qualifications that do not fully match the above criteria but have relevant equivalent experience are invited to apply.

We offer a rewarding salary that is tailored to your skills and experience. But’s that not all! We celebrate hard work and give recognition to our colleagues. In addition to this, we understand that one size doesn't fit all so everyone has access to a variety of flexible benefits that work for you.

• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

We design, build and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure to help…