Principal Mechanical Engineer
Property Services | Birmingham | Hybrid Working
Salary: £50,000 – up to £55,000 for Associate-level candidates (Chartered or working towards Chartership)
The Opportunity
My client, a long-established and highly respected building services consultancy, is looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Engineer into their Property Services team in Birmingham.
This is a senior, trusted role with real autonomy. The successful Principal Mechanical Engineer will sit at the intersection of technical delivery, client engagement, and team leadership — not just producing designs, but shaping how work is delivered and how the team grows.
For the right person, this role can suit a Principal Mechanical Engineer ready to step up, or an Associate Mechanical Engineer who is Chartered (or actively working towards it) and operating at that level.
About My Client
My client has been delivering high-quality MEP engineering solutions for decades and has built an enviable reputation through repeat business, technical credibility, and long-term client relationships.
They focus on doing what they are good at — properly. No over-stretching, no race-to-the-bottom delivery. Big enough to offer stability, project variety, and career progression; small enough that individuals are recognised and trusted.
Retention is strong. That tells you everything.
The Role – Principal Mechanical Engineer
As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in both delivery and development within the Property Services group.
You’ll support regional leadership, lead mechanical workstreams, and take ownership of projects, clients, and people. This is a hands-on Principal role — leadership by capability, not job title.
An Associate-level engineer operating at Principal level, and Chartered or working towards Chartership, will be fully considered.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Delivery
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Lead mechanical delivery across a varied Property Services portfolio
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Deliver projects up to circa £3m in value
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Manage technical quality, compliance, and commercial risk
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Provide senior technical support to internal teams and external stakeholders
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Mentor and develop engineers, supporting succession planning
Client & Work Winning
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Act as a trusted technical advisor to end users, landlords, managing agents, and project managers
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Contribute to work winning and repeat business
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Build and maintain long-term client relationships
Property Services Scope
The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work across three core service areas:
Technical Due Diligence
Plant Replacement & Small Projects
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Boiler and chiller replacement schemes
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Feasibility studies and surveys
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Mechanical design
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Construction site duties, contract administration and project management
Maintenance & Operational Services
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Quarterly building inspections
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Planned preventative maintenance strategies
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Asset registers
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Fault finding and troubleshooting
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Energy optimisation and EPCs
Projects span commercial, residential, retail, education, healthcare, defence, heritage, industrial and technology sectors, predominantly UK-based.
What My Client Is Looking For
Essential
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Strong mechanical building services background
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Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership
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Proven experience managing projects and mitigating risk
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Sound knowledge of UK regulations and design standards
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Ability to lead, influence, and develop engineering teams
Technical Tools
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Revit
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IES
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Microsoft Office
Personal Attributes
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Clear, confident communicator
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Organised, structured, and deadline-driven
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Commercially aware
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Credible in front of clients and comfortable in a leadership role
Salary & Benefits
Salary
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£50,000 at Principal Mechanical Engineer level
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Up to £55,000 for Associate-level candidates who are Chartered or working towards Chartership
Benefits Include
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Private medical cover
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Life assurance and income protection
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Car allowance / lease car scheme
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25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)
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Contributory pension
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Paid professional memberships
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Flexitime
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9-day fortnight
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Hybrid / flexible working
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Holiday buy & sell
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Study assistance
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Cycle to work
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Share purchase scheme
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Gym, retail, travel and insurance discounts
5S Recruitment View
This is a genuine opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer — or a strong Associate ready to step into that space — to join a consultancy that values proper engineering, trusts its people, and rewards capability rather than box-ticking.
If you want responsibility, variety, and progression without corporate theatre, my client will appeal.