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Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Senior Mechanical Engineer - Southampton
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup is an independent, employee-owned collective of designers, consultants and experts working globally to shape a better world. In Southampton you will join a supportive, collaborative environment with access to UK and international expertise, training and development, and projects where technical quality and positive impact matter.
The opportunity
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Any offer made will be subject to satisfactory proof of immigration status.
Arup have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design work packages, support project delivery and help develop Southampton’s growing Building Engineering capability. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer with strong design and coordination skills, who is chartered, close to chartership or able to demonstrate equivalent capability. You will lead mechanical work packages, shape low-energy strategies for new and existing buildings, support junior colleagues and help strengthen our local capability.
The team
You will join our growing Building Engineering team in Southampton, working with colleagues across the South Coast, the UK and internationally on new build, retrofit and refurbishment projects. The team combines engineering, design and advisory expertise in a collaborative, technically ambitious culture.
Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design work packages from feasibility and concept design through to technical design, construction support and handover.
- Develop strategies for heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic water, controls and plant/distribution systems with an emphasis on low-energy, maintainable solutions.
- Lead calculations, system selection, design analysis and technical decision-making.
- Coordinate comfort, thermal, energy, carbon and sustainability inputs, including retrofit and operational performance improvement.
- Coordinate mechanical services with architecture, structure, electrical, public health and specialist disciplines.
- Manage models, drawings, reports, specifications and other deliverables to agreed quality, programme and budget.
- Review work by engineers and technicians, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
- Plan discipline inputs, forecast time, coordinate resources, raise risks early and support bids or client discussions where required.
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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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.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour 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.
See breakdownIt 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.
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.
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.
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.
Is this role right for you?
We Are Looking To Speak To People Who
- Are comfortable taking responsibility for mechanical design, coordination and delivery in multidisciplinary project environments.
- Hold a Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
- Possess Chartered Engineer status, close to chartership or equivalent professional capability.
- Have a strong practical understanding of mechanical services, including heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic water, controls and plant coordination.
- Have experience delivering mechanical design across new build, refurbishment and/or retrofit projects.
- Are able to lead design elements and coordinate small teams on multidisciplinary projects.
- Have a strong interest in sustainable building design, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, passive design and operational performance.
- Have experience using or overseeing modelling tools such as IES, TAS, EnergyPlus or DesignBuilder.
- Have a good understanding of relevant standards, regulations, CIBSE guidance, health and safety and industry good practice.
Desirable Skills And Knowledge
- Experience leading mechanical teams or discipline work packages.
- Experience in retrofit, heat pumps, low-carbon heat networks, natural ventilation or mixed-mode buildings.
- Experience with TM54, Part L, NABERS UK, operational energy modelling or post-occupancy evaluation.
- Working knowledge of Revit, BIM processes and digital delivery workflows.
- Interest in digital tools, automation or coding to improve engineering workflows.
- Experience contributing to proposals, fee schedules, bid interviews or client-facing work winning.
- Experience working with contractors through technical design, construction and commissioning.
What We Offer You
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.


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We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different People, Shared Values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.
Discover more about life at Arup at http://www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Aslam Hussain (Aslam.Hussain@arup.com) to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/ Stay safe online - Arup will never ask for payment or your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
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