Principal Mechanical Engineer - Low Carbon & Energy Transition

Contract Duration: 6 Months (Rolling)

Location: Remote (Occasional travel to London, Manchester, Newcastle, or Glasgow)

Rate: Up to £60/hr

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Shape the Future of Low-Carbon Infrastructure

Are you a senior mechanical engineer looking to make a direct impact on the UK's net-zero roadmap?

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a premier Energy Transition team delivering next-generation low- and zero-carbon projects. From early-stage concept development through to FEED, detailed design, and decommissioning, you will solve complex engineering challenges across high-impact sectors including Carbon Capture (CCUS), Energy-from-Waste, future fuels, and conventional power generation.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead mechanical engineering design deliverables across a broad portfolio of energy transition projects, collaborating with EPC contractors, lenders, utilities, and OEMs.

• Engineering Design: Develop cost-effective, practical mechanical designs across Feasibility, Concept, FEED, Value Engineering, and Detailed Design phases.

• Technical Deliverables: Produce calculations, equipment specifications, and detailed datasheets for major plant equipment (turbines, compressors, pumps, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers).

• Process & Layout Integration: Work alongside process engineers on PFDs and P&IDs, supporting plant layout development and participating in 3D model reviews.

• Vendor & Asset Management: Technical evaluation of vendor proposals and provision of specialist integrity advice for operational assets.

• Commercial Support: Contribute expert input to mechanical discipline bids and multi-disciplinary proposals.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent discipline) and Chartered status (CEng / IEng) with a recognized professional institution.

• Sector Expertise: Proven post-graduate experience within Power Generation or Oil & Gas.

• Codes & Design Standards: Deep understanding of relevant industry codes for plant equipment, piping design, pressure vessels, and stress analysis.

• Technical Software & Tools: Proficiency in MS Excel (schedules/datasheets) and MathCAD for engineering calculations, alongside experience with 3D plant modeling workflows.

• Thermal & Power Plant Knowledge: Solid background with operational thermal plants, troubleshooting, integrity assessments, and gas turbine systems (reciprocating engine experience is a plus).

• Commercial Exposure: Experience collaborating with OEMs, EPC contractors, or O&M organizations.

Why Apply?

• High-Impact Work: Lead pioneering projects pushing the boundary of decarbonization technology.

• Flexibility: True remote working flexibility with occasional visits to a regional hub (London, Manchester, Newcastle, or Glasgow).

• Long-Term Potential: A rolling contract on a multi-year portfolio of critical energy infrastructure projects.

Ready to Apply?

If you meet the requirements above and want to play a central role in the UK's transition to cleaner energy, apply today with your updated CV.