Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer – Science and Research

About us

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 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.

About the role

We have a brand-new opportunity for a Senior or Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Science & Research team based in our London office.

This is a great opportunity to join our Science & Research group. You will collaborate with specialist engineers and consultants on technically complex laboratory, research and innovation environments — including academic and public‑sector research facilities, bespoke end‑user laboratories, speculative commercial science buildings and R&D campuses. You will be part of a collaborative, highly knowledgeable team that combines a supportive and flexible culture with strong performance and a genuine passion for its work.

This position is based in London, with opportunities to engage with colleagues across the wider business, including our long‑standing Oxford and Cambridge offices. These teams collaborate effectively on projects across the “Golden Triangle”, ensuring consistent delivery and shared expertise.

As a Senior or Principal Engineer in the Science & Research team you will lead and deliver mechanical designs for a wide range of science and research projects of varying scales and complexities. You will work within multidisciplinary project teams to produce robust, safe, efficient and innovative solutions that meet client briefs, regulatory standards and the specific needs of laboratory and research environments. A key part of the role is developing and mentoring a technically excellent, collaborative team.

• Be responsible for the day-to-day technical delivery of the electrical design services for multi-disciplinary projects across several building sectors.
• Lead the development of initial strategic concepts for projects ensuring solutions are appropriate for the brief and regulatory standards.
• Interact regularly with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a communicative, collaborative and timely approach to delivery This is a client-facing role, so you will be attending project meetings and disseminating/translating the brief within the project team.
• Work with the team leader to help monitor fee expenditure, resources and work delivered.
• Mentor and support our ‘next-gen’ professionals, including apprentices and graduates.

About you

To be successful for this role you’ll need:

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer (or closely related role) with a strong track record delivering complex projects — ideally including science, research or laboratory facilities where safety-critical and highly reliable mechanical systems are required.
• Demonstrable experience of modern technical delivery processes and digital design tools, including BIM workflows and Revit MEP. Familiarity with CFD, IES or other simulation tools is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience specifying, designing or commissioning specialist systems commonly used in science and research buildings — for example dedicated laboratory ventilation, LEV systems, chilled/hot water distribution, AHUs, heat recovery systems, plantroom design, treated water, steam, laboratory gases and cryogenics.
• Strong knowledge of controls and integration with BMS for sequencing, pressure control, temperature control, and fault detection; experience with commissioning and handover is expected.
• Understanding of laboratory-specific requirements (e.g., cleanroom pressurisation, exhaust/containment strategies, hazardous area ventilation, access for maintenance) or a willingness to rapidly develop this specialist knowledge.
• Demonstrable client-facing experience: presenting technical solutions, translating client briefs into deliverable design packages, and supporting procurement and construction phases.
• Strong technical documentation skills: preparation of mechanical design reports, specifications, single line/pipework diagrams, schedules and tender documentation.
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical solutions clearly to clients, architects and the project team.
• Relevant professional qualifications or chartered status (e.g., CEng/MEI/MCIBSE) or working towards chartership.