Principal Mechanical Engineer â€" Manchester

An exciting opportunity has opened up for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a forward-thinking building services consultancy, delivering innovative and sustainable MEP solutions across a variety of sectors.
This role involves leading the mechanical design and delivery of high-quality engineering projects. You will manage project resources, coordinate teams, and ensure that all design work meets technical and client requirements. From early-stage concept development to final commissioning, you will be at the forefront of delivering projects that are efficient, practical, and environmentally responsible.
As part of your day-to-day responsibilities, you’ll be preparing technical reports, specifications, and design documentation. You’ll also be conducting site visits for surveys, inspections, and issue resolution. In addition, you’ll mentor junior engineers, helping them grow technically while maintaining quality across all stages of design and delivery. You’ll contribute to tender processes, assist clients during procurement, and ensure that all aspects of the mechanical systems reflect the original design intent.
You’ll regularly collaborate with clients, contractors, and stakeholders, representing the consultancy at meetings and working to resolve any design challenges that arise. A proactive mindset and strong commercial awareness are key, as you'll be identifying project risks, changes, and opportunities as they develop. Knowledge of sustainable design principles, including frameworks such as BREEAM and LEED, will be expected and applied throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in mechanical building services design within a consultancy setting, along with a strong grasp of the UK’s building regulations and industry best practices. Chartered status (or working towards it) with a recognised professional body such as CIBSE or IMechE is highly desirable, as is a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
You should be confident using design software such as Revit and AutoCAD, and be familiar with BIM workflows. Experience with MagiCAD and Navisworks is also beneficial. A working knowledge of IES Virtual Environment is useful for reviewing building performance reports and low-carbon design strategies.
This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation, sustainability, and professional development. The consultancy fosters a culture that supports work-life balance, encourages team involvement in social and charity initiatives, and invests in the long-term growth of its people.