Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior / Principal Mechanical Design EngineerLocation: Oxford | Sectors: Low Carbon, Heritage, Education, HealthcareEmployment Type: Full-TimeOverviewWe are seeking a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a well-established, independent building services consultancy in Oxford. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to lead mechanical design projects, influence sustainable strategies, and mentor junior engineers across heritage, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
The Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will work on technically complex, low-carbon projects, delivering HVAC, hot/cold water, and energy-efficient solutions from RIBA Stage 2 through to handover.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of building services systems, including HVAC, hot/cold water, and sustainable strategies
• Oversee production of technical documentation, drawings (AutoCAD/Revit), and specifications
• Collaborate with clients, architects, and internal teams to deliver energy-efficient and technically robust solutions
• Apply building physics and performance analysis where relevant to inform design decisions
• Attend site visits, manage design coordination, and support construction activities
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and technical growth
• At Principal level: influence fee proposals, resourcing, and client development
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, CIBSE standards, and low-carbon design principles

Candidate Profile

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services
• 6+ years of consultancy experience delivering mechanical building services design
• Strong experience across education, healthcare, commercial, or heritage projects
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, IES, Hevacomp, or similar design software
• Excellent communication, coordination, and project management skills
• Chartered (CEng/MCIBSE) or working toward chartership preferred
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to sustainable, high-quality design

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary: £55,000–£70,000 (DOE)
• Flexible/hybrid working, 25+ days holiday, private healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme
• Exposure to varied, high-profile projects including listed buildings and modern low-energy campuses
• Support for professional growth: chartership, leadership development, and career progression to Associate and beyond
• Collaborative team culture with low staff turnover and a focus on technical excellence

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead impactful, sustainable projects. Join us as a Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer and shape low-carbon, heritage-focused solutions while advancing your career in a supportive, technically driven environment.