Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Decarbonisation & Low-Carbon Heating

The Opportunity

We're working with one of the UK's fastest-growing players in the decarbonisation space - a business that's absolutely flying right now. They've got a ridiculously healthy order book stretching out over the next decade, working on some of the most exciting low-carbon projects across the country.

If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer who's passionate about net zero, heat pumps, and actually making a tangible difference to the UK's carbon footprint, this is the role for you.

This isn't just another engineering job - this is a genuine career-defining move for the right person.

Why This Role is Different

Progression is Real Here.

The Design Leader you'll be working under started on the tools and has worked their way right through the business. They're a living case study of what's achievable in this environment - and they're building a team of ambitious engineers who want to do the same.

The Work Actually Matters.

You'll be designing heat pump systems, HVAC upgrades, and district heating solutions for schools, hospitals, council buildings, and social housing. Real projects. Real impact. Real decarbonisation.

The Growth is Insane.

With a pipeline of work secured for the next 10+ years, they're scaling fast. That means opportunities to step up, lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and carve out your own path within the business.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a proper hands-on, technical design role where you'll be:

• Designing low-carbon heating systems - heat pumps (air source & ground source), high-efficiency HVAC, district heating networks, and thermal storage for retrofit and new-build projects
• Leading the technical side of projects from early feasibility (RIBA Stage 2) right through to construction and commissioning (Stage 5)
• Working on flagship decarbonisation schemes - think Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), and large-scale public sector contracts
• Getting stuck into the detail - heating/cooling load calcs, equipment sizing, ductwork/pipework design, schematics, schedules, technical reports, and compliance with Building Regs (Part L, Part F, Part G)
• Using your technical chops - AutoCAD is a must, Revit/BIM is a bonus. You'll also be supporting energy modelling (IES, Energy Pro) and working with the wider design team
• Leading client and contractor conversations - you'll be front and centre in design meetings, presenting technical solutions, and making sure everyone's on the same page
• Mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers as the team grows around you

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (BEng or equivalent) - needs to be UK-recognised
• Heat pump expertise - you've designed and integrated heat pump systems (hybrid, low-temp heating, commercial/public sector applications)
• HVAC and retrofit experience - you know your way around mechanical systems in commercial, public sector, or mixed-use buildings
• Technical design skills - competent in detailed design from RIBA Stage 2-5, including heat loss calcs, equipment sizing, pipework/ductwork, and compliance
• AutoCAD proficiency - you can produce drawings and schedules in your sleep
• UK Building Regulations knowledge - particularly Part L (energy efficiency) and CIBSE guidance
• Chartered status (CEng) or working towards it - this is important for sign-off and professional credibility

Highly Desirable:

• Experience with PSDS, SHDF, or other public sector decarbonisation projects
• Revit and BIM Level 2 workflows
• Heat networks and district heating design
• Energy modelling tools (IES, Energy Pro, DesignBuilder)
• Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and control strategies
• Experience in Design & Build or traditional procurement routes

Location: You'll be based in or around Manchester - the office is in Manchester with hybrid working available, but you'll need to be accessible for site visits, client meetings, and collaboration with the team.

What's In It For You?

Competitive salary - reflective of your experience

Genuine career progression - this business is growing fast, and they promote from within

Interesting, meaningful work - you'll be working on flagship decarbonisation projects that actually move the needle

A brilliant mentor - the Design Leader has been exactly where you are and knows how to develop engineers

Hybrid working - flexibility to work from home and the Manchester office

Job security - with a 10-year order book, this is a stable, long-term opportunity

About the Company

Our client is a leading contractor in the renewable energy and decarbonisation space, specialising in heat pumps, district heating, and low-carbon retrofit projects. They've been around for a while, but they're scaling rapidly off the back of the UK's push to Net Zero.

They work with local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, housing associations, and private developers to replace outdated gas heating with cutting-edge low-carbon systems. Think heat pumps, heat networks, energy centres, and full building decarbonisation.

The culture is collaborative, technically rigorous, and ambitious. They're not interested in box-ticking - they want people who genuinely care about getting the design right and delivering projects that work.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, let's talk.

Send your CV over and I'll give you a call to talk through the role in more detail, answer any questions, and see if it's the right fit.