Jacobs
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
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Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
Mechanical Engineer – Critical Water Infrastructure Transformation
At Jacobs, we push the boundaries of innovation to solve the world’s most pressing challenges—from resilient cities to cutting-edge manufacturing—turning bold ideas into transformative realities.
Your Impact
This is an unprecedented opportunity to lead a newly created role at the heart of the UK’s most significant water sector transformation in decades. If you’re driven by engineering excellence and passionate about making a direct, meaningful difference, this could be your chance to shape the future—for millions.
You’ll work alongside United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, and Anglian Water, delivering high-value, complex Design & Build CAPEX and OPEX programmes across the entire project lifecycle—from early concept development to operational handover. Your influence will ensure innovation, sustainability, and resilience become industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
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Engineering & Design
- Mechanical design for critical water and wastewater assets, including pump stations, treatment plants, and infrastructure.
- Value engineering, optimising buildability and cost-effectiveness for real-world impact.
- Feasibility studies, detailed design, and commissioning support for large-scale infrastructure.
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Technical & Documentation
- High-quality outputs: layouts, specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs (Piping & Instrument Diagrams).
- Equipment sizing and specification for pumps, valves, screening, dosing, and odor control systems.
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Site & Collaboration
- Conduct site investigations and engage with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
- Ensure compliance with UK water industry standards, health & safety, and environmental regulations.
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Team & Project Support
- Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and collaboration within cross-functional teams.
- Assisting with project planning, risk analysis, change control, and forecasting.
Why Join Jacobs?
This isn’t just a career move—it’s a chance to define the future of water infrastructure.
✅ Once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive national transformation.
✅ Collaborate with the UK’s leading water companies, gaining exposure to large-scale programmes.
✅ Influence projects end-to-end, moving far beyond traditional design roles.
✅ Career-defining challenges with direct social impact.
✅ Innovate fearlessly, shaping the standards that define resilience for decades to come.
Your Profile – What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking experienced mechanical engineers with:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent qualification).
- Working towards or holding chartered status (e.g., IMechE or similar).
- Strong expertise in mechanical/process-based systems—specialising in water, wastewater, effluent, or biomass treatment.
- Deep knowledge of UK water industry standards, health & safety, and environmental compliance.
- Experience across the full project lifecycle, with a focus on complex/infrastructure environments.
- Familiarity with design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM) is advantageous but not mandatory.
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Why Work at Jacobs?
At Jacobs, we don’t just build infrastructure—we build communities, career growth, and a culture of belonging.
✔ Global Opportunity: We’re a truly global company, connecting local talent with international projects.
✔ Our Values Matter: Safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging lie at the very core of everything we do.
✔ Caring Culture: We prioritise positive mental health and offer flexible working arrangements tailored to individual needs.
✔ Flexibility & Well-being: From hybrid working options to well-being benefits and global volunteering programmes, we support your success on your terms.
✔ Diversity & Belonging: We’re committed to inclusion, fostering vibrant networks where every voice is valued—through Employee Networks, Communities of Practice, and Find Your Community initiatives.
✔ Equal Opportunities: Disability confident employer, welcoming applications from those seeking flexible working arrangements or who don’t meet all requirements.
✔ Hybrid Working: Empowering collaboration—with in-person and remote flexibility to ensure seamless delivery.
How to Apply
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to attract diverse talent—visit https://www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs for additional accessibility options.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Careers Support.
Apply now and transform your impact. 🚀
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