Brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things
Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.
We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.
About the opportunity
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a senior role in our mechanical team, leading design across treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines, process facilities and related water infrastructure. You will support projects from optioneering and concept design through to detailed design, construction support and technical review.
You will work closely with process, civil, electrical, structural, digital and environmental specialists to deliver practical, sustainable and buildable solutions for our clients. You will also help grow the technical capability of our team by mentoring engineers, reviewing design outputs and contributing to a culture of quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Lead mechanical engineering design and technical delivery for 3water projects
• Design and review mechanical systems for treatment plants, pump stations, chemical dosing systems, sludge handling, pipework, valves, tanks, mechanical equipment, pumping systems and associated plant infrastructure
• Develop and review technical specifications, calculations, design reports, equipment schedules, datasheets, drawings and construction documentation
• Provide technical leadership across project stages, including feasibility, concept, detailed design, procurement, construction support and commissioning
• Work with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver integrated, practical and high-quality engineering outcomes
• Engage with clients, contractors, suppliers and stakeholders to understand project needs and support successful delivery
• Lead technical reviews, quality assurance and design risk management activities
• Mentor and support junior and intermediate engineers, helping them develop confidence, judgement and technical capability
• Contribute to innovation, sustainability, digital delivery and continuous improvement across our water projects
• Support bids, proposals and client conversations where mechanical engineering input is required.

About you
You are an experienced mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, leading design delivery and helping others succeed. You bring strong judgement, clear communication and a collaborative approach to working with clients and project teams.
You will bring:
• A tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Significant experience in mechanical engineering design, ideally within the water, wastewater, industrial process or infrastructure sectors
• Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment and systems used in water and wastewater treatment environments
• Experience with pumps, pipework, valves, chemical dosing, odour control, sludge handling, mechanical plant layout, materials selection and equipment specification
• Confidence leading technical delivery across concept, detailed design and construction stages
• Experience reviewing technical work and supporting quality outcomes
• Strong client-facing, communication and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative style and genuine interest in mentoring and developing others
• Chartered Professional Engineer status, or a clear pathway toward chartership, would be highly regarded.
Culture & Benefits
Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.
Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:
Employee Ownership
You’ve got this!
We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply! #LI-NP1