Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

An award-winning, human-centric engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join its growing Operational Assets / Existing Buildings team in Birmingham.

This is a leadership opportunity within a specialist Property Services group of circa 30 engineers operating across multiple UK offices. Sitting directly beneath the Regional Director, you will play a key role in project delivery, team development, and client growth.

This role focuses on existing buildings, helping clients unlock performance improvements, reduce energy consumption, and develop long-term operational strategies across complex estates.

You'll work across high-profile frameworks in sectors including:

• Defence

• Healthcare

• Commercial Offices

• Residential

• Heritage

Projects range from refurbishment and plant replacement to full lifecycle asset strategies across the UK and occasionally overseas.

• Lead projects up to several million in value

• Deliver decarbonisation and energy reduction strategies for operational buildings

• Carry out and oversee:

  • Dilapidations & condition surveys

  • Technical due diligence reports

  • Energy audits & performance reviews

  • Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) strategies

• Develop design solutions across all RIBA stages for complex refurbishment schemes

• Manage commissioning and post-occupancy performance reviews

• Supervise and mentor intermediate engineers

• Support work-winning activities and build new client relationships

• Assist the Regional Director with planning and team growth

The work is highly varied and requires pragmatic, clever engineering solutions - ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving in live operational environments.

• Chartered Mechanical Engineer (or working towards)

• Strong experience within existing buildings (refurbishment, fit-out, plant upgrades)

• Comfortable leading projects and engaging directly with clients

• Experience across surveys, performance specification, detailed design & contract administration

• Strong knowledge of building performance data and metering

• All-round Building Services knowledge (MEP awareness)

• Commercially aware with a track record in project delivery and team leadership

• 60,000+ salary (DOE)

• Car allowance

• 9-day fortnight scheme

• Private medical cover

• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

• Up to 30 days annual leave

• Structured professional development and leadership progression

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer looking to step into a regional leadership role within a growing specialist team, delivering meaningful decarbonisation and operational improvements across some of the UK's most complex estates.

Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.