Principal Mechanical Engineer

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

We have an opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in delivering high‑quality, sustainable mechanical engineering solutions across multiple projects in the built environment.

You will join our Data Centre and Mission Critical team based in our Leeds office.

We have a well-established reputation for delivering outstanding design on built environment projects throughout the North. Located in the heart of the city, we're placed to take advantage of opportunities both locally and further afield, we have a rich project history within Leeds and a strong commitment to the region.

We are a recognised leader in the built environment , shaping some of the most ambitious and technically demanding projects. Data centres are increasingly important to the economy, with the technology that drives them changing at a blisteringly fast rate, and our Mission Critical team assists clients in navigating the evolving requirements of this sector.

Our experience covers everything in the Data Centre & Mission Critical sector – from complex live plant upgrades, close control, data halls, financial-sector trading floor environments, critical engineering, and due diligence reviews of existing facilities, you will get to work on projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, we combine innovation, technical expertise, and practical delivery to create solutions that are not only robust and reliable, but forward-thinking and sustainable.

Working alongside a range of specialist engineers and consultants, you will be joining a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team who love what they do, and offer a supportive, flexible, and high-performing work culture.

You will take the lead design role on significant and complex building services projects, owning the design delivery from inception to completion. As the technical lead, you will manage and prioritise the internal Hoare Lea delivery team, coordinate with other disciplines and external consultants, and represent Hoare Lea at client and project meetings. You will ensure technically excellent, commercially aware and timely delivery while developing client relationships that support future business growth.

In this key and varied role, you can expect to:

Lead the design delivery for significant and complex schemes, taking responsibility for achieving design objectives and technical quality.

Define and agree the design brief with clients and manage client and consultant relationships professionally.

Represent Hoare Lea at project meetings and actively promote our services to support client projects and future business.

Manage, prioritise and motivate the internal project team (including specialist groups); host and chair internal project meetings.

Delegate, review and check work undertaken by others; contribute to the professional development of team members.

Monitor project expenditure, costs and resource requirements; report regularly to the team leader.

Identify, highlight and manage project and commercial risks, including awareness of consultant appointment conditions and procurement impacts.

Ensure deliverables meet quality standards, technical accuracy and programme deadlines.

Share technical knowledge across the business and work collaboratively with other professionals to deliver coordinated building designs.

Communicate openly and effectively at all levels internally and externally.

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

Qualified and recognised in the industry, preferably with Chartered status.

Proven, in‑depth technical knowledge in Mechanical/building services design and applied experience of relevant regulations and design guides.

Strong understanding of complementary disciplines and experience leading integrated design teams.

Excellent client‑facing skills with ability to manage difficult situations calmly and professionally.

Demonstrable experience leading design teams on complex Data Centre projects and delivering to demanding timescales.

Commercial awareness: experience monitoring project costs, identifying commercial risks and contributing to profitable delivery.

Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands.

Confident communicator — excellent written and spoken English — with experience representing a consultancy externally.

IT literate with proficiency in industry software (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD).

Committed to continuous professional development and supporting the career growth of others.

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.