Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sector

Energy Transition / Power & IndustrialLocation

Remote (UK) with occasional travel to Manchester, London, Newcastle & Glasgow officesContract Type

6-month rolling contractIR35 Status

Inside IR35Rate

Up to £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a growing Energy Transition team, supporting the design and delivery of next-generation low-carbon and zero-carbon energy infrastructure.This is a senior technical role within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, offering the opportunity to influence major UK energy projects spanning conventional power, emerging low-carbon technologies, and first-of-a-kind systems.You will lead mechanical engineering delivery across the full project lifecycle—from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, construction, operation, and decommissioning.Project ScopeProjects will include a broad range of energy transition and industrial systems, such as:Conventional power generationEnergy-from-waste facilitiesIndustrial energy systemsCarbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)Future fuels and first-of-a-kind low-carbon technologiesYou will work closely with developers, utilities, EPC contractors, OEMs, government bodies, and financial stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the development of mechanical engineering solutions across all project stagesDeliver work across:Feasibility studiesConcept designFEEDValue engineeringDetailed designProduce mechanical deliverables including:Equipment specifications and datasheetsEngineering calculationsTurbine, compressor, pump, pressure vessel and heat exchanger specificationsCollaborate with process engineers on PFDs and P&IDsSupport plant layout development and 3D model reviewsWork with OEMs and vendors to assess and evaluate technical proposalsProvide technical input on plant integrity and operational issuesContribute to mechanical discipline bids and multidisciplinary proposalsRequired Skills & ExperienceDegree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplineChartered Engineer status (or working towards IEng/CEng) with a relevant professional institutionSignificant post-graduate experience in Power Generation or Oil & GasStrong understanding of industry codes and standards for plant and piping systemsExperience in pressure vessel and piping design, including stress analysisFamiliarity with plant layout and 3D modelling environmentsStrong proficiency in:MS Excel (schedules, datasheets)MathCAD (engineering calculations)Experience with operational thermal plant, including troubleshooting and integrity assessmentKnowledge of gas turbine systems (reciprocating engines desirable)Experience working with OEMs, EPC contractors, or similar organisationsO&M experience highly desirableAdditional InformationRemote working with occasional UK office visitsExposure to major energy transition and low-carbon infrastructure programmesCollaborative multidisciplinary engineering environmentOpportunity to work on innovative, first-of-a-kind technologiesSummaryThis is an excellent opportunity for a senior Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in delivering complex energy transition projects, shaping the future of low-carbon infrastructure across the UK and beyond.