Principle Mechanical Engineer
2 days ago
City of London
Overview\n\nWe are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic oversight for the delivery of mechanical systems across multiple infrastructure assets within a major rail and tunnelling project environment. \nThis role will suit a highly experienced engineer with a strong background in mechanical engineering design, construction delivery, systems integration, stakeholder management, and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will act as the senior mechanical authority, leading technical decision-making throughout the project lifecycle from detailed design development through installation, testing, commissioning, and asset handover.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nProvide technical leadership for the delivery of mechanical systems including Fire Main, Public Health, Drainage, Pumping Systems, Ventilation, and associated MEP infrastructure.\nAct as the principal mechanical engineering authority across multiple project assets, ensuring engineering excellence and compliance with project requirements.\nLead Stage 5 design development and construction integration activities between client teams, design consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and delivery partners.\nReview and approve complex technical submissions including drawings, calculations, BIM models, hydraulic analyses, stress/thrust calculations, and system performance assessments.\nDrive engineering governance and ensure compliance with project specifications, industry standards, statutory requirements, and assurance processes.\nLead technical resolution of RFIs, EWNs, NCRs, design changes, technical queries, and interface issues.\nUndertake and lead constructability reviews, value engineering initiatives, and risk mitigation activities throughout design and construction phases.\nProvide strategic oversight of subcontractors, suppliers, and installation teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery.\nSupport procurement strategy, technical evaluations, equipment selection, supplier engagement, and approval processes.\nLead development and review of RAMS, ITPs, quality plans, testing strategies, commissioning procedures, and handover documentation.\nMonitor project progress, identify engineering risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to senior project leadership.\nManage complex interfaces across civil, structural, architectural, systems, and MEP disciplines.\nChair technical workshops, design reviews, coordination meetings, and stakeholder engagement forums.\nSupport systems integration, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.\nMentor and provide technical guidance to mechanical engineers, design coordinators, and graduate engineers.\nContribute to engineering best practice, lessons learned, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement across the programme.\n\nRequired Experience\n\nDegree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.\nSignificant experience delivering mechanical systems on major infrastructure, rail, tunnelling, utilities, transportation, or heavy civil engineering projects.\nProven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex stakeholder environments.\nStrong technical knowledge of mechanical building services, pressurised pipework systems, pumping systems, fire suppression systems, and public health infrastructure.\nExtensive experience in design management, technical assurance, and construction delivery.\nStrong understanding of engineering standards, specifications, design verification, and systems assurance processes.\nAbility to review and approve complex technical documentation, calculations, drawings, and BIM models.\nExperience managing contractor, consultant, and supplier performance.\nStrong understanding of QA/QC, commissioning, and handover processes.\nExcellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.\n\nDesirable Experience\n\nChartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership.\nExperience working on major rail, tunnelling, or transportation infrastructure projects.\nKnowledge of HS2, Network Rail, London Underground, or equivalent major infrastructure standards.\nExperience with systems integration, assurance, and commissioning of complex infrastructure assets.\nFamiliarity with BIM coordination, digital engineering, and common data environments.\nExperience leading technical governance and engineering assurance reviews.\n\nKey Attributes\n\nStrong technical leadership and engineering judgement.\nStrategic and solutions-focused mindset.\nAbility to influence senior stakeholders and drive technical decision-making.\nStrong commercial, programme, and risk awareness.\nExcellent coordination and multidisciplinary interface management skills.\nCommitment to quality, safety, and engineering excellence.\nAbility to manage multiple workstreams and priorities within a complex project environment