Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Water

Location: Chatham, Kent (flexible hybrid)

Job type: Long‑term Contract (Outside IR35)

A leading water client is seeking an experienced mechanical design engineer to support long‑term capital delivery programmes. This client‑side position covers the full project lifecycle including feasibility, optioneering, detailed design, construction and commissioning.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical engineering design activities from feasibility through to commissioning on clean water infrastructure projects.
Produce and review detailed mechanical designs, calculations, specifications, reports and drawings for treatment plant assets, pumped systems, pipework and chemical dosing equipment.
Carry out and validate hydraulic calculations, including pump sizing, system curves, head loss assessments and surge considerations.
Ensure design outputs comply with client standards, WIMES, CDM requirements and relevant industry legislation.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including process, civil, electrical and MEICA disciplines.
Undertake site surveys, inspections, testing and commissioning support.
Review contractor design submissions, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability and alignment with client specifications.
Support project managers by contributing technical input to project documentation, programme development and delivery planning.
Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, stakeholders and framework partners.
Requirements

HNC/HND or degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience delivering mechanical design within water or utilities projects, ideally including treatment and clean water infrastructure.
Strong capability in producing and reviewing mechanical calculations, specifications and technical reports to senior‑engineer level.
Knowledge of WIMES, water treatment processes, pumping systems, hydraulic analysis and industry standards.
Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs across multiple live projects.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for multidisciplinary coordination.
Full UK driving licence for travel across client's supply area.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a major water client delivering essential infrastructure projects. It offers stability, flexibility and the chance to contribute across the full project lifecycle while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment