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
