Principal Mechanical Engineer – Low Carbon

Sector: Energy Transition / Power & Industrial Location: Remote (UK) with occasional travel to Manchester, London, Newcastle & Glasgow offices Contract Type: 6-month rolling contract IR35 Status: Inside IR35 Rate: Up to £65.00 per hour (Umbrella) Overview We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a growing Energy Transition team, supporting the design and delivery of next-generation low-carbon and zero-carbon energy infrastructure. This is a senior technical role within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, offering the opportunity to influence major UK energy projects spanning conventional power, emerging low-carbon technologies, and first-of-a-kind systems. You will lead mechanical engineering delivery across the full project lifecycle-from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, construction, operation, and decommissioning. Project Scope Projects will include a broad range of energy transition and industrial systems, such as: Conventional power generation Energy-from-waste facilities Industrial energy systems Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Future fuels and first-of-a-kind low-carbon technologiesYou will work closely with developers, utilities, EPC contractors, OEMs, government bodies, and financial stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions. Key Responsibilities Lead the development of mechanical engineering solutions across all project stages Deliver work across: Feasibility studies Concept design FEED Value engineering Detailed design Produce mechanicaldeliverables including: Equipment specifications and datasheets Engineering calculations Turbine, compressor, pump, pressure vessel and heat exchanger specifications Collaborate with process engineers on PFDs and P&IDs Support plant layout development and 3D model reviews Work with OEMs and vendors to assess and evaluate technical proposals Provide technical input on plant integrity and operational issues Contribute to mechanical discipline bids and multidisciplinary proposals Required Skills & Experience Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline Chartered Engineer status (or working towards IEng/CEng) with a relevant professional institution Significant post-graduate experience in Power Generation or Oil & Gas Strong understanding of industry codes and standards for plant and piping systems Experience in pressure vessel and piping design, including stress analysis Familiarity with plant layout and 3D modelling environments Strong proficiency in: MS Excel (schedules, datasheets) MathCAD (engineering calculations) Experience with operational thermal plant, including troubleshooting and integrity assessment Knowledge of gas turbine systems (reciprocating engines desirable) Experience working with OEMs, EPC contractors, or similar organisations O&M experience highly desirable Additional Information Remote working with occasional UK office visits Exposure to major energy transition and low-carbon infrastructure programmes Collaborative multidisciplinary engineering environment Opportunity to work on innovative, first-of-a-kind technologies Summary This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in delivering complex energy transition projects, shaping the future of low-carbon infrastructure across the UK and beyond