Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer (Lead / Principal grade)Location: Preston (Hybrid Working)Rate: 50 - 55ph LtdSalary: 60,000 - 70,000 + benefits Overview: Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer (contract or permanent) to lead the design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This is a key technical leadership role within the team, providing strategic input across project lifecycles, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving engineering excellence across mechanical packages.Key Responsibilities:Provide strategic leadership in the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure for clean and wastewater treatment works, ensuring alignment with programme, cost, and quality objectives.Lead the development of detailed mechanical designs, including drawings, specifications, and calculations, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with client and industry standards.Oversee and direct site assessments, feasibility studies, and design reviews; provide expert input during construction to resolve complex technical issues.Act as the mechanical discipline lead, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure robust, compliant, and sustainable solutions.Drive adherence to WIMES, DWI, and relevant British/European mechanical standards, ensuring best practice is embedded across all design activities.Take ownership of mechanical work packages on major schemes, ..... full job details .....