Jacobs
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
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Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
Mechanical Designer (Water & Wastewater Infrastructure) – Jacobs
About the Role
At Jacobs, we challenge today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, and cutting-edge manufacturing—turning abstract ideas into impactful, world-changing realities.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the UK’s most significant water sector transformation in decades. If you’re passionate about engineering solutions with real-world impact and driving positive change for millions, this frontline role puts you at the heart of transformation in water infrastructure.
You’ll collaborate with major UK water companies, including United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, and Anglian Water, delivering high-value, complex Design & Build CAPEX and OPEX programmes. From concept development to operational handover, your work will influence every stage, helping set new standards for resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
Your Responsibilities
- Mechanical design for critical water and wastewater assets, including pumping stations, treatment plants, and related infrastructure.
- Value engineering and buildability improvements to maximise real-world impact.
- Conducting feasibility studies, detailed designs, and commissioning support for major infrastructure projects.
- Producing high-quality technical outputs, such as layouts, specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams).
- Equipment sizing and specification for pumps, blowers, valves, screening systems, dosing, and odour control.
- Conducting site investigations and engaging with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
- Ensuring compliance with UK water industry standards, health & safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
- Providing technical guidance, mentoring, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
- Supporting project planning, including scheduling, risk assessment, change control, and forecasting.
- Early integration of constructability and commissioning considerations into design solutions.
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Why Apply?
- Define the future of UK water infrastructure—this is your chance to influence change as a key player in a once-in-a-generation transformation.
- Collaborate with pioneering water companies, gaining exposure to nationally significant projects.
- Gain end-to-end project influence, stretching far beyond traditional design boundaries.
- Tackle career-defining engineering challenges with real social and environmental impact.
- Innovation is encouraged—challenge conventions and help shape future resilience in infrastructure.
Requirements
We’re looking for experienced mechanical engineers with a mix of the following skills and experiences:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Professional membership (working toward or holding Chartered Engineer status, e.g., IMechE, or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of mechanical process-based systems in water/wastewater/effluent/biomass treatment sectors.
- Knowledge of UK water industry standards, health & safety (H&S), and environmental compliance.
- Deep expertise in current health, safety, and welfare legislation.
- Familiarity with the full project lifecycle, including infrastructure or other complex environments.
- Experience with design tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM (advantageous).
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About Jacobs
Joining Jacobs means connecting locally and globally. Our values centre on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging, putting people at the core of everything we do.
We believe in supporting our people through a caring culture, prioritising positive mental health and belonging for all. Jacobs offers:
- Flexible working arrangements, balancing hybrid and in-person work to maximise productivity.
- Well-being benefits, global volunteering programs, and opportunities to innovate for shared purpose.
We are committed to embedding inclusion and belonging in all we do, fostering a diverse, connected, and creative workplace.
As a disability-confident employer, we welcome applications from candidates with disabilities or those seeking flexible working arrangements. If you do not yet meet all criteria, your application may still be considered.
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