Job Description:

Are you an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer looking to take a leading role in the delivery of technically challenging projects within the chemical sector?

Do you have experience delivering mechanical engineering projects within the chemical or process industries, ideally involving the design, development or delivery of pilot plants?

Do you have experience leading mechanical engineering activities, including technical design reviews and coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

The Opportunity
Our client is a leading engineering consultancy experiencing continued growth, with an exciting portfolio of projects focused on chemical process engineering and pilot plant development. They are seeking a talented Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership, oversee mechanical engineering activities and help deliver innovative solutions from concept through to implementation.

Working on specialist pilot plant projects, you’ll play a pivotal role in translating process requirements into practical, safe and efficient mechanical engineering solutions. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, influence key technical decisions and help bring complex engineering concepts to life in a project environment where technical excellence and innovation are essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, leading technical teams and contributing to the development of new process technologies.
While experience in the chemical sector is particularly relevant, applications are also welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in hydrogen, carbon capture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, nuclear, food and beverage processing, energy generation and other advanced industrial environments.

What You’ll Be Doing
As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll take ownership of mechanical engineering delivery across chemical sector projects, with a particular focus on pilot plants and associated process facilities.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading mechanical engineering activities: Provide technical direction across pilot plant and chemical process engineering projects, ensuring designs meet project requirements, performance expectations and client objectives.
• Delivering pilot plant solutions: Support the development and delivery of pilot plant facilities, translating process design requirements into robust, practical and fit-for-purpose mechanical engineering solutions.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams: Work closely with process, piping, structural, electrical, instrumentation and control engineers to deliver fully integrated project solutions.
• Reviewing and approving designs: Oversee mechanical engineering designs, calculations, equipment specifications and technical documentation, maintaining high standards of quality, safety and technical integrity.
• Supporting project execution: Contribute to scope development, procurement, technical supplier engagement, change management, resource planning and project controls.
• Driving technical innovation: Help develop effective engineering solutions for complex process applications, championing continuous improvement and engineering best practice.
• Maintaining compliance: Ensure engineering activities align with applicable legislation, industry standards, quality requirements and relevant process safety considerations.
• Developing engineering capability: Mentor engineers and designers, sharing technical knowledge and supporting the development of a high-performing engineering team.

What You’ll Bring
You’ll be a technically accomplished Mechanical Engineer with the confidence to lead engineering activities, influence stakeholders and deliver projects in a complex process environment.

Ideally, you’ll have:
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or be actively working towards professional registration.
• Proven experience delivering mechanical engineering projects within the chemical or process industries, ideally involving pilot plants, process development facilities or specialist process equipment.
• Experience leading engineering activities and mentoring mechanical engineers and designers.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design, equipment specifications, engineering calculations, technical reviews and design documentation.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams and supporting projects from initial scope development through to delivery.
• An understanding of the technical, operational and safety considerations associated with chemical processing environments.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to quality, safety, technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is your chance to work at the forefront of chemical process engineering, contributing to specialist pilot plant projects where innovative ideas are developed, tested and translated into practical engineering solutions.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
• Work on technically interesting pilot plant projects within the chemical sector.
• Take a leading role in developing and delivering innovative process engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with specialists across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Influence technical decisions and champion engineering best practice.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent while strengthening your own leadership experience.
• Apply your expertise to complex projects that support process development and industrial innovation.

Who Should Apply?
We’re keen to hear from professionals currently working as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Lead Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Engineering Manager, Project Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Project Engineer, Process Plant Engineer, Mechanical Team Leader or Technical Authority Engineer.
Candidates with experience in chemical processing, pilot plant design and delivery, process equipment or wider process engineering environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
Ready to take the lead on innovative chemical engineering projects?
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, engineering leadership and the opportunity to work on specialist pilot plant developments, we’d welcome a conversation.

Get in touch now
If you're seeking a new opportunity and think you have the skills and experience, we are looking for, then apply now or contact Mark Wilkins.


Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
 
We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.