Principal Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Stockton on Tees

Description

Our Business

Engineering services are delivered for the px group by the engineering consultancy division px Engineering Consultants Limited ("PXECL"). The team comprises of managers, senior engineers, engineers and designers that have direct experience of construction projects and operating facilities, as well as exceptional engineering expertise.

PXECL has established an excellent reputation with its clients and consequently much of the business is of a repeat nature. The team prides itself on the quality of its services and the strong relationships it builds with its clients and has a track record of delivering an integrated range of services. By combining technical and operational excellence, a sound understanding of regulatory environments and a robust and reliable project management system, px consistently delivers safe, efficient and compliant capital projects and services to a diverse client base supporting most industrial sectors.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering consultancy team. The successful candidate will be a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a proven track record in delivering mechanical engineering services on complex projects. You will take a lead role in preparing and reviewing engineering deliverables, managing vendor packages, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects from FEED through to EPCm execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering scope on consultancy projects, ensuring compliance with client, international, and industry standards.
• Prepare, review, and approve datasheets, specifications, and requisitions for:

Static equipment (e.g., pressure vessels, heat exchangers, tanks) Rotating equipment (e.g., pumps, compressors, turbines)
Mechanical packages (e.g., skid-mounted units, utility systems)

• Manage the full vendor package cycle, including:

Preparation of enquiry documents

Technical bid evaluations
Pre-order vendor engagement

Post-order technical management, coordination, and resolution of queries

Final inspection and acceptance of equipment

• Provide technical assurance and mentor junior engineers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams (process, electrical, instrumentation, civil/structural).
• Support project planning, cost control, and change management for mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Participate in risk reviews, HAZOPs, design reviews, and constructability assessments.
• Act as a client interface, representing the consultancy in meetings and providing expert guidance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Minimum Requirements:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a recognised professional body (e.g., IMechE).
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in preparing and delivering datasheets and specifications for static, rotating, and packaged equipment.
• Significant experience in FEED and EPCm project delivery, with a strong understanding of the full project lifecycle.
• Proven track record in vendor engagement and management throughout pre- and post-purchase order phases.
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and practices (ASME, API, PED, etc.).
• Solid experience within an engineering consultancy, EPC/EPCm contractor, or owner/operator environment.

Benefits

What you will receive from us:

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contribution towards eye test and glasses

Online company discount benefits site including cinema tickets and gym membership discount

Long Service Awards

Employee recognition scheme - ELITE Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits Package

Onsite parking

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please note this role may close early or be extended depending on the volume of applications.