Jacobs
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
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Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
Mechanical Process Engineer
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your Impact
This is a rare chance for you to step into a newly created Mechanical Process Engineer role at the forefront of the UK’s most significant water sector transformation in decades. If you’re driven by meaningful engineering challenges and want your work to directly improve the lives of millions, this opportunity puts you right at the heart of it.
You’ll collaborate with major water companies, including United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, and Anglian Water, shaping and delivering high-value, complex Design & Build CAPEX and OPEX programmes. From early-stage concept to operational handover, you’ll influence every phase, helping set new standards for resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
Your Remit
- Mechanical design for critical water and wastewater assets, including pumping stations and treatment plants
- Development of value engineering and buildability improvements that drive real-world impact
- Conducting feasibility studies, detailed designs, and commissioning support for major infrastructure
- Creation of high-quality technical outputs, including layouts, specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams)
- Equipment sizing and specification for pumps, blowers, valves, screening, dosing, and odour control systems
- Site investigations and client, contractor, and supplier engagement
- Ensuring compliance with UK water industry standards, health & safety, and environmental requirements
- Providing technical guidance, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration
- Assisting with project planning, including scheduling, risk management, change control, and forecasting
- Early integration of constructability and commissioning into design solutions
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Why Apply?
You won’t just be part of the sector’s transformation—you’ll be a key driver defining its future!
- Once-in-a-generation investment in UK water infrastructure
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading UK water companies, gaining exposure to national-scale programmes
- End-to-end project influence, extending far beyond design alone
- Career-defining challenges with real social impact
- Platform to innovate, challenge conventions, and shape future resilience
Requirements
We would be delighted to hear from experienced engineers with a mix of the following:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
- Professional Membership: Working towards or holding chartered status (e.g., IMechE or equivalent)
- Strong grasp of mechanical process-based systems used in water/wastewater/effluent/biomass treatment
- Knowledge of UK water industry standards, health & safety, and environmental compliance
- Robust understanding of current UK health, safety, and welfare regulations
- Experience across the full project lifecycle within infrastructure or complex environments
- Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM (advantageous)
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Why Choose Jacobs?
Joining Jacobs connects you not only globally but also locally, guided by our values of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business and prioritise positive mental health and a strong sense of belonging.
With flexible and hybrid working, we adapt to maximise your potential, offering benefits like:
- Well-being support
- Global giving and volunteering programmes
- Cutting-edge opportunities to make a tangible difference
At Jacobs, we embrace inclusion and diversity as we champion varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Our structured initiatives, such as Jacobs Employee Networks and Find Your Community programmes, foster vibrant communities where every individual feels connected, purpose-driven, and empowered.
We partner with VERCIDA to attract and retain diverse talent. For accessibility information, visit VERCIDA.
As a disability-confident employer, we actively interview candidates with disabilities who meet the criteria. We also welcome applications from those seeking flexible working or those who may not meet all requirements.
We value collaboration and believe in-person interactions are crucial for our culture and client delivery. Our hybrid working policy allows employees to balanced in-person and remote work for maximum productivity.
Apply with confidence: If you need adjustments for the recruitment process (e.g., form adaptation), contact Careers Support for assistance.
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