Mechanical Engineer - #2191368

Mechanical Engineer - Wastewater & Process Engineering

Location: Leeds Based – covering North of England

Reporting To: Engineering Manager / Regional Engineering Lead

Department: Asset Life Management

Salary: Competitive + Benefits (TBC)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mechanical Engineer to support the delivery of mechanical engineering solutions across wastewater treatment, sludge processing, pumping and associated infrastructure projects throughout the UK water sector.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, installation, maintenance, optimisation and upgrade of mechanical systems within wastewater treatment works (WwTW), pumping stations, sludge treatment facilities and associated process assets. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, contractors and water utility clients, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Design

• Develop mechanical designs, specifications and technical documentation for wastewater and sludge treatment assets.
• Support the design and selection of pumps, screens, conveyors, mixers, blowers, centrifuges, belt presses, screw presses and associated process equipment.
• Produce and review engineering calculations, equipment schedules and procurement specifications.
• Participate in HAZOP, design reviews and value engineering workshops.
• Ensure designs comply with client standards, British Standards, Water UK standards and statutory requirements.

Project Delivery

• Support the delivery of capital and maintenance projects from concept through to commissioning.
• Provide technical input during planning, procurement, construction and handover phases.
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, cost and programme requirements are achieved.
• Assist with site surveys, condition assessments and asset inspections.
• Support commissioning activities and performance testing of mechanical systems.

Operations & Maintenance Support

• Provide technical support for operational wastewater treatment facilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve plant reliability, efficiency and performance.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Assist with asset lifecycle planning and replacement programmes.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture in accordance with CDM Regulations and company procedures.
• Prepare and review RAMS, lift plans and permit-to-work documentation where required.
• Ensure all activities comply with environmental legislation, water industry regulations and company standards.
• Participate in site safety audits and inspections.

Typical Assets & Equipment

The role will involve working with:

• Wastewater treatment plants
• Sludge treatment and digestion facilities
• Pumping stations
• Chemical dosing systems
• Screw conveyors
• Penstocks and valves
• Pumps and pumping systems
• Screens and grit removal systems
• Blowers and aeration equipment
• Centrifuges and dewatering equipment
• Pipework systems (stainless steel, ductile iron, HDPE and carbon steel)
• Odour control systems
• Storage tanks and pressure vessels

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Experience working within the UK water or wastewater sector.
• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes and mechanical plant assets.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs and technical specifications.
• Experience supporting mechanical installations and commissioning activities.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and engineering software packages.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards professional registration.
• Experience working alongside UK water utilities such as United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent, Thames Water, Scottish Water, Northumbrian Water or Anglian Water.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts.
• APMP, PRINCE2 or project management qualifications.
• Site management or supervisory experience.
• SMSTS, SSSTS or CSCS qualification.
• Knowledge of CDM 2015 requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commercial awareness and cost-conscious decision making.
• Organised and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Professional development and chartership support.
• Opportunities to work on major UK water infrastructure projects.
• Career progression within a growing engineering business.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safe delivery of engineering activities.
• Project delivery on programme and budget.
• Asset reliability and downtime reduction.
• Quality and compliance of engineering documentation.
• Client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.

This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in wastewater treatment, sludge handling, pumping systems and process plant equipment who wants to contribute to the improvement and resilience of critical UK water infrastructure.