Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Derby | Agile / Hybrid Working
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Lead Mechanical Design on Complex, Low-Carbon Building Projects
This is a key hire within a growing building services consultancy, offering the opportunity to take ownership of mechanical design delivery across technically challenging, multi-sector projects.
You will operate as a project leader and technical authority, influencing design standards, mentoring engineers, and working directly with clients across the full project lifecycle.
With a strong pipeline of sustainable, design-led projects, this role offers both technical depth and clear progression into senior leadership.

What’s on Offer

Clear progression pathway into senior leadership
Agile / flexible working model
Generous annual leave (with buy/sell options)
Enhanced family leave policies
Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Exposure to technically challenging, sustainability-focused projects
Regular team, social, and charitable initiatives 
The Role

Lead mechanical design delivery across projects, from concept through to completion
Act as Project Leader, managing design coordination and client interaction
Produce and oversee calculations, specifications, and detailed design outputs
Drive technical excellence within the team, mentoring junior engineers
Contribute to low-carbon and sustainable design strategies, including renewable integration
Attend and lead client and design team meetings, influencing key decisions
Support ongoing client relationships and repeat business developmentAbout You
Essential:

Degree (or HNC/HND with experience) in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering
Proven experience in mechanical design within building services consultancy
Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, building regulations, and British/European standards
Experience using design tools such as Revit, Amtech, Relux/Dialux
Ability to lead projects and coordinate within multi-disciplinary MEP teams
Strong communication skills with client-facing experienceDesirable:

Working towards or achieved Chartered status (CIBSE/IET)
Experience across sectors such as healthcare (HTMs), commercial, or residential
Knowledge of BREEAM and sustainable building design principles
Understanding of renewable technologies and embedded generation systems
Broad awareness of electrical systems to support multidisciplinary collaborationThe Opportunity

Step into a Principal-level role with real project ownership and influence
Work on diverse, technically complex projects across multiple sectors
Play a key role in delivering low-carbon and net-zero building solutions
Develop into a senior leadership or client-facing strategic role
Join a consultancy where engineers have autonomy and visibility across projectsThe Company
A well-established, multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy delivering mechanical, electrical, and low-carbon design solutions across the UK and internationally. With a strong reputation for technical quality, collaboration, and sustainable design, the business works across sectors including healthcare, education, residential, commercial, and industrial.
Engineers here benefit from high levels of autonomy, a supportive culture, and genuine career development opportunities within a growing organisation.

Apply
If you are a Mechanical Design Engineer ready to step into a Principal-level role with greater ownership, influence, and progression, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion