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WSP in the UK & Ireland

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Birmingham
Posted 1 day ago
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Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

About the Role

WSP are looking to provide expertise in mechanical engineering with particular emphasis on fine chemicals and the process-related industries. Knowledge of Food & Pharmaceutical sectors is beneficial.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will report to the Mechanical Engineering Manager based in Birmingham. This role will be mainly office-based with some site-based assignments. Some UK and overseas travel may be required.

Applying technical judgment and resourcefulness to investigations, feasibility studies, concept and scheme designs, detailed design, and construction support phase of projects.

Delivering Mechanical engineering and design solutions to meet project needs, including:

  • To operate as Lead Mechanical Engineer on selected projects, controlling technical delivery, costs, changes, and programme at all stages of projects.
  • Design, engineering, calculations, specifications.
  • Assist with preparation of flowsheets and engineering line diagrams.
  • Supervise plant layout and pipework design including 3D modelling.
  • Generate and supervise preparation of data sheets, piping and equipment specifications, technical appraisals, and selection.
  • Site support during construction and commissioning including field engineering assignments.
  • Design studies, safety reviews, Designers Risk Assessments.
  • Co-ordination with all other disciplines.
  • Preparation of cost estimates.
  • Preparation and maintenance of man-hour and resources forecasts.
  • Preparation of/input to design programmes.
  • Reviewing designs & proposals for conformance with applicable regulatory standards, policies, and codes of practice.
  • Comply with the company’s quality and safety procedures.
  • Line management / supervision of graduate engineers.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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It searches the market for you

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Only hits

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What we would like you to demonstrate

Practical Knowledge And Experience

In the design, engineering, and specification of process plant and piping, including some or all of the following:

  • Experience of mechanical design engineering in process-related industries.
  • Specific expertise in the design, layout, engineering, and specification of process plant and piping for the pharmaceuticals, food, and fine chemicals industries.
  • Experience within the contracting industries and/or a process plant operator would be beneficial.
  • Knowledge of CAD and 3D modelling software.
  • Pipe Stress Analysis (Caesar II or equivalent).
  • Pipe support design and specification.
  • Piping design codes e.g. ASME B31.3/BSEN13480.
  • PER/ATEX/CDM.
  • Construction site experience on process industry projects.
  • Experience managing/co-ordinating design and engineering teams.

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Personal Profile

  • A leader capable of drawing the best out of a team.
  • Organised logical thinker, open to new ideas, and having pride in the work done.
  • Confident and articulate, with clients and with peers.
  • Has a desire to find both the appropriate technical solution, and value for money for our customers.
  • Professional flexible approach to meeting the needs of our customers.
  • Able to work within a team and be able to maintain formal and informal client contacts.
  • Interpersonal skills to work as part of a multi-discipline team.
  • 10 years or more of relevant mechanical engineering experience.

Qualifications

  • Degree qualified in mechanical engineering (BEng, BSc, MEng).
  • Chartered Engineer, MIMechE desirable.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

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Skills

Mechanical Design Engineering
Process Plant Design
Piping Design
3D Modelling
Pipe Stress Analysis
Pipe Support Design
Construction Site Experience
Project Management
Technical Judgement
Feasibility Studies
Safety Reviews
Regulatory Standards Compliance
Team Leadership
Client Interaction
Cost Estimation
Engineering Specifications

Location

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

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