Principal Mechanical Engineer Building Services

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our clients Building Services team in Edinburgh. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically accomplished engineer to take a leading role in the delivery of complex, high-profile projects while supporting the strategic growth of the business. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across multiple projects, mentor and develop engineering teams, and build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. You will play a key role in delivering innovative, sustainable, and commercially successful engineering solutions across a broad range of sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and technical delivery of building services projects from concept through to completion.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across project teams.
• Design and oversee HVAC, heating, cooling, ventilation, public health, and renewable energy systems.
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, specifications, reports, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary designs with electrical, structural, architectural, and specialist consultants.
• Act as the primary technical contact for clients, attending meetings, presentations, and design reviews.
• Mentor, support, and develop junior and intermediate engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional development.
• Manage project programmes, resources, budgets, and commercial performance.
• Ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations, CIBSE guidance, British Standards, and industry best practice.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities, preparing fee proposals, supporting bids, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Drive sustainable, low-carbon design solutions and promote innovation across projects.

About You

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• Extensive experience in mechanical building services design within a consultancy environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic water services, renewable technologies, and low-carbon design.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and managing the technical delivery of complex projects.
• Experience using industry-standard software such as Hevacomp, IES VE, Revit MEP, AutoCAD, MagiCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent client-facing, communication, and leadership skills.
• A strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage project budgets and programmes.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or close to achieving Chartership, with CIBSE or IMechE is highly desirable.

Benefits

• 23 days holiday + publics
• 7% pension
• Car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Professional subscriptions
• Holiday buy/sell
• Life assurance x4
• Cycle to work