Jacobs
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Water
Mechanical Engineer – Water & Wastewater Design Electrical & Fluid Systems (CAPEX/OPEX) – Jacobs
About the Role
At Jacobs, we redefine tomorrow by tackling the world’s most critical problems—thriving cities, resilient environments, operational advancement, scientific discovery, and cutting-edge manufacturing. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the UK’s most significant water sector transformation in decades, directly improving millions of lives.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll drive meaningful engineering challenges, partnering with United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, and Anglian Water, to deliver ambitious, high-value Design & Build CAPEX and OPEX programmes. From early-stage concept to operational handover, your expertise will set new standards for resilience, sustainability, and innovation in water and wastewater infrastructure.
Your Impact
Core Responsibilities
- Mechanical design for critical water and wastewater assets, including:
- Pumping stations
- Treatment plants
- System equipment (pumps, blowers, valves, screening, dosing, odour control)
- Value engineering & buildability improvements to enhance efficiency and real-world application
- Feasibility studies, detailed design, and commissioning support for major infrastructure projects
- Technical documentation, including layouts, specifications, datasheets, and P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams)
- Equipment sizing and specification across critical systems
- Site investigations, stakeholder engagement with clients, contractors, and suppliers
- Ensuring compliance with:
- UK water industry standards
- Health & safety (H&S) regulations
- Environmental requirements
- Technical mentoring, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams
- Project planning support covering:
- Scheduling & forecasting
- Risk & change control
- Early integration of constructability and commissioning into design solutions
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Why Apply?
This isn’t just a role—you’ll help define the future of UK water infrastructure.
✅ Leadership position in a once-in-a-generation sector transformation ✅ Collaboration with leading water utility companies on national-scale programmes ✅ End-to-end project influence – from concept to operational delivery ✅ Career-defining challenges with profound social impact ✅ Opportunity to innovate, challenge conventional practices, and prioritise future resilience
Requirements
We’re seeking experienced Mechanical Engineers with a blend of the following:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent qualification)
- Professional membership (working toward or holding chartered status, e.g., IMechE)
- Strong understanding of mechanical process-based systems, particularly in:
- Water/wastewater treatment
- Effluent/biomass processing
- Knowledge of UK water industry standards, H&S, and environmental compliance
- Familiarity with current health, safety, and welfare legislation
- End-to-end project lifecycle experience in infrastructure or complex mechanical environments
- Design tool proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM – advantages)
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits & Culture
Jacobs doesn’t just connect you locally—we unite you globally. Our culture is built on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging, making every employee feel supported and empowered.
Career & Well-being
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid model balancing office/project presence and remote work)
- وكب mental health and well-being support
- Global giving & volunteering opportunities
- Sustainability-driven work, improving lives through innovation
Inclusion & Belonging
- Diverse perspectives celebrated as a source of learning and creativity
- Employee Networks & Communities of Practice fostering connection
- Disability-confident employer—interviews open for disabled candidates who meet criteria
- Support for carers, flexible working requests, and alternative application formats
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to attract and retain talent from diverse backgrounds. Access roles with improved online accessibility here
Ready to create lasting change?
Apply today—because the world’s water future starts with you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills