Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer
Location: York (Hybrid Working Available)
Rate: £55 to £60 per hour (Depending on Experience)
Are you an accomplished Mechanical Building Services Engineer looking to step into a Principal-level position where you can lead complex projects, influence technical strategy, and play a key role in developing both teams and client relationships?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected multidisciplinary consultancy delivering technically challenging projects across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, infrastructure, energy, defence, and highly regulated environments. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will take a leading role in project delivery, provide technical direction, support business development, and help shape the future growth of the mechanical engineering team.
Why Apply?
This role goes beyond technical design delivery. You'll act as a trusted advisor to clients, lead multidisciplinary project teams, and provide strategic engineering input on major projects from concept through to completion.
You'll have the opportunity to influence project outcomes, support the development of future talent, contribute to winning new work, and help drive technical excellence across the business, all within a collaborative environment that values innovation, leadership, and professional growth.

What You'll Be Doing
·Leading the design and delivery of complex mechanical building services projects, including HVAC and Public Health systems
·Acting as the technical authority on projects, providing oversight, guidance, and quality assurance across design teams
·Delivering innovative and commercially focused engineering solutions that meet client, regulatory, and project requirements
·Producing and reviewing technical deliverables including calculations, reports, specifications, and design documentation
·Managing client relationships and acting as a key point of contact throughout project lifecycles
·Leading coordination with architects, contractors, specialist consultants, and multidisciplinary engineering teams
·Supporting project planning, resource management, and delivery programmes
·Identifying opportunities for business development and contributing to bids, tenders, and proposals

Leadership & Strategic Responsibilities
As a Principal Engineer, you will play a significant leadership role within the business and help shape the future of the team.
You'll have the opportunity to:
·Lead, mentor, and develop Engineers, Graduates, and Technicians across multiple projects
·Provide technical leadership and governance across design teams
·Support recruitment, team development, and succession planning initiatives
·Drive quality assurance, innovation, and continuous improvement within engineering delivery
·Contribute to business growth through client engagement, networking, and new business opportunities
·Champion best practice and technical excellence across the organisation

What You'll Bring
·Degree-qualified in Mechanical Building Services Engineering or a related discipline
·Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards Chartership with a demonstrable pathway to completion
·Extensive experience delivering Mechanical Building Services design projects across complex building environments
·Strong expertise in HVAC and Public Health design
·Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing project delivery
·Strong commercial awareness with experience managing project budgets, programmes, and client expectations
·Demonstrable experience managing and developing client relationships
·Experience leading bids, tenders, fee proposals, and work-winning activities

Desirable Experience
Experience with any of the following would be highly advantageous:
·Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through CIBSE, IMechE, or equivalent professional institution
·Team leadership, line management, and resource planning experience
·IES Thermal Modelling
·Revit / AutoCAD / Navisworks
·Experience acting as Project Lead or Discipline Lead on major multidisciplinary schemes
·Strong business development and client account management experience

What's In It For You?
·Opportunity to lead high-profile, technically complex projects
·Significant influence over project delivery and technical direction
·Exposure to cutting-edge engineering solutions across multiple sectors
·Leadership opportunities with genuine scope for career progression
·Involvement in business development and strategic growth initiatives
·Collaborative working environment with highly experienced industry professionals
·Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
·Continued professional development and support for leadership growth

Ready for Your Next Move?
If you're a senior-level Mechanical Building Services Engineer ready to step into a Principal position, or an existing Principal Engineer looking for your next challenge, this is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role on some of the UK's most prestigious and technically demanding projects.
Apply today to become part of a forward-thinking engineering team delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions across a diverse portfolio of major developments