Associate Director Mechanical Engineering

Job Description

Shape the Future of our cities and environments.

Are you a Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Are you ready to take up a vital role in some of the UK's most exciting and innovative projects? Join Atkins

Réalis and take a leading role in shaping the future of our cities and environments.

We are looking for an energetic and experienced Associate Director Mechanical Engineer to join our team within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of Atkins

Réalis. You'll be part of a talented, multi-disciplinary team delivering cutting edge, iconic projects to our Water market clients – clients such as Thames Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, as well as other regional water authorities.

As a key member of our team, you'll play a vital role in delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects both domestically and internationally. We're committed to providing industry-leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client-side and construction-phase support.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients' toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world‑class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration isn't a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally.

We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support you with whatever you need.

We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position is based in our London, Epsom, Peterborough or Cambridge offices.

The role will offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience, and problem‑solving skills whilst providing good opportunities for career development.

• Lead a team of Mechanical engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant national and project specific design codes and standards, and to high‑quality levels in areas such as pumping systems and water & wastewater treatment design.
• Lead on the development of project design deliverables for Mechanical aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Responsible for managing production, reviewing, and approving technical deliverables such as design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work.
• Provide Technical Leadership within discipline for the regional and national D&AT practice and influence D&AT Practice wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal process and services.
• Grow, develop, and manage the Mechanical Engineering capabilities within the regional and/or nationally practice.
• Work independently with guidance in only the most challenging situations. Exercise personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Advise client, operational, project, or service activities within project teams and wider D&AT Practice initiatives.
• Manage or collaborate on technical aspects of bid proposals.
• Work closely with a multi‑disciplinary team in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Mechanical Engineer.
• Proven experience in leading large‑scale Mechanical engineering design delivery for a design consultancy including within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Takes broad perspective to identify innovative solutions, challenges the status quo.
• The role requires comprehensive knowledge and proven practical experience in the design integration of a wide range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, blowers, screens, and chemical dosing systems. Additionally, it demands a thorough understanding of current UK design standards, relevant legislation, and established industry practices.
• Demonstrates exemplary…