Senior Mechanical Engineer

Joining Arup Senior Mechanical Engineer, Southampton

Arup has an exciting opportunity for a Chartered Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead projects, shape mechanical and multidisciplinary design strategies and help grow Arup’s Southampton Building Engineering capability. Arup is an independent, employee-owned collective of designers, consultants and experts working globally to shape a better world for 80 years. In Southampton you will join a supportive, collaborative environment with access to UK and international expertise, training and development, and projects where technical quality and positive impact matter.

We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer with strong technical, sustainability, communication and project leadership skills. You will lead mechanical design and, where appropriate, multidisciplinary delivery, working with clients, architects, contractors, project directors and Arup specialists to shape robust, low-carbon and coordinated solutions. You will join our growing Building Engineering team in Southampton, working with colleagues across the South Coast, the UK and internationally on new build, retrofit and refurbishment projects.

The team combines engineering, design and advisory expertise in a collaborative, technically ambitious culture.

• Lead mechanical engineering delivery on complex projects from inception to completion.
• Interpret briefs and shape mechanical, energy and sustainability strategies that respond to project, commercial, operational and carbon objectives.
• Act as mechanical discipline lead and, where appropriate, multidisciplinary project lead.
• Lead option appraisal, system selection and technical decision-making for heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic water, controls and plant strategies.
• Provide senior review of calculations, models, drawings, specifications and reports, ensuring quality, consistency and risk management.
• Manage resources, programme, scope, change and discipline budgets to support commercial performance.
• Build client and collaborator relationships, present design thinking and resolve complex technical or delivery issues.
• Mentor engineers and technicians, contribute to bids and connect projects with wider Arup expertise.

• We are looking for people who combine strong mechanical expertise with project leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status through CIBSE, IMechE or another relevant body.
• Proven track record leading mechanical building services design on complex and/or multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, building physics, energy performance, carbon reduction and sustainable building design.
• Experience developing concept strategies and detailed designs across new build, refurbishment and/or retrofit projects.
• Experience supervising engineers and technicians, reviewing work and providing technical direction.
• Strong commercial and contract awareness, including resource planning, scope management, fee monitoring and change control.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and communicate recommendations clearly to clients and collaborators.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary building engineering projects or substantial technical work streams.
• Experience in retrofit, decarbonisation, energy resilience, heat pumps, heat networks, natural ventilation or mixed-mode buildings.
• Experience with operational energy, TM54, NABERS UK, post-occupancy evaluation or performance-led design.
• Experience contributing to strategic business development, client account…