Associate Director Mechanical Engineer

Location: Penketh

We are seeking an experienced and commercially aware Associate Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead and grow our capability in the design and delivery of laboratories, research facilities, and highly serviced technical buildings. This is a senior leadership role for a mechanically biased building services engineer with deep experience in lab environments, complex ventilation strategies, containment, specialist gases, and temperature-critical systems.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee technical excellence, develop client relationships, and play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of our science & technology portfolio. What You'll Be Doing Lead mechanical design delivery across laboratory, R&D, cleanroom, and technical facility projects from feasibility through to construction Provide technical authority on:
Laboratory ventilation and containment strategies Fume cupboards, LEV, and specialist extract systems Specialist gases and piped services Close control heating, cooling, and humidity systems Pressure regime design and environmental control Act as Project Director / Technical Lead on complex projects Develop and maintain key client relationships within science, higher education, pharma, and research sectors Mentor and develop engineering teams and future leaders Contribute to business development, fee proposals, and framework bids Ensure quality, consistency, and innovation in technical delivery across the team Support the integration of low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions into laboratory environments

What We're Looking For:

Degree qualified in Mechanical or Building Services Engineering Chartered Engineer (or working toward) with CIBSE/IMechE 10 years experience in building services consultancy Proven experience delivering laboratory / research / technical facility projects Strong knowledge of HTM, CIBSE, BS, and laboratory design guidance Experience leading Stage 3 to 5 design and contractor coordination Commercial awareness and experience in fee management and project resourcing Confident communicator with experience presenting to clients and stakeholders Experience managing and mentoring engineering teams Desirable

Experience:

Clean rooms or containment level laboratories (CL2/CL3/CL4) Pharmaceutical, life sciences, or university research facilities BREEAM / sustainability integration in lab design Digital design coordination (Revit / BIM environments)

What We Offer Opportunity to lead and shape a growing science & technology sector Clear pathway to Director level Flexible and hybrid working Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package A collaborative culture focused on technical excellence and innovation Apply If you are a lead mechanical engineer with a passion for technically challenging environments and want to take a leadership role in delivering world-class laboratory facilities, we would love to hear from you.