Mechanical Project Engineer

Join the South East’s Largest Independent Engineering Group MKE Engineering Group is a leading independent electrical and mechanical engineering company, operating across Kent, Sussex and Essex. We provide new equipment, workshop services, site services and parts for HV, MV and LV motors and generators, pumps, gearboxes, rotating machinery and inverter controls. Following continued growth and the award of a long-term contract with Southern Water, we are looking for a capable and motivated Mechanical Project Engineer to join our expanding Projects Team within the Water Division. MKE’s Projects Team is one of the company’s largest divisions, delivering medium to large-scale process-improvement, refurbishment and capital projects across wastewater treatment works and pumping stations throughout the South East. Our projects combine mechanical, electrical and civil engineering disciplines and range from equipment upgrades and asset replacement through to full process improvements and commissioning. The Role As a Mechanical Project Engineer, you will support the Project Managers, Contracts Managers and site teams in delivering mechanical works across Southern Water wastewater assets. The role will involve a mixture of office-based engineering, supplier liaison, workshop inspections and regular site attendance. You will help take projects from the initial survey and engineering development stage through procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and handover. You will be involved in practical, hands-on wastewater process-improvement projects, including upgrades to pumping, screening, aeration, sludge, inlet works, pipework, valves, penstocks, tanks, access systems and associated mechanical assets. Key Responsibilities Support Project Managers in planning, programming and delivering mechanical projects across wastewater treatment works and pumping stations. Attend site surveys to assess existing plant, installation constraints, access requirements and project risks. Assist with the development of scopes of work, equipment schedules, specifications and mechanical design information. Review and interpret engineering drawings, process information, equipment data sheets and installation requirements. Produce specifications for mechanical equipment, fabricated parts, pipework, valves, pumps, blowers, screens and associated components. Liaise with MKE’s workshop, mechanical department, suppliers and fabricators to arrange manufacture, supply and delivery of equipment. Inspect mechanical parts, fabricated items and supplied equipment before dispatch to site. Assist with planning labour, lifting operations, cranes, plant, scaffolding, specialist access and subcontractor requirements. Provide technical support to site teams during installation, ensuring works are undertaken safely, efficiently and in accordance with the agreed scope. Carry out quality inspections during installation and identify any defects, snags or improvements required before commissioning. Support mechanical testing, functional checks, commissioning activities and project handover. Assist with the preparation and review of RAMS, lift plans, inspection and test plans, commissioning records and handover documentation. Maintain compliance with MKE and Southern Water Health, Safety, Environment and Quality requirements. Build effective working relationships with Project Managers, Site Managers, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors and Southern Water operational teams. What We Are Looking For A mechanical engineering background, ideally gained within installation, maintenance, fabrication, manufacturing, utilities or industrial engineering. Experience with mechanical project delivery, installation works or planned maintenance activities. Good working knowledge of pumps, blowers, gearboxes, motors, pipework, valves, screens, conveyors or other rotating/process equipment. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, equipment schedules and manufacturer information. Practical understanding of mechanical installation methods, alignment, lifting, isolation and commissioning requirements. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan work, manage priorities and maintain attention to detail. Good awareness of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality procedures. Clear communication skills and the confidence to work with site teams, suppliers, subcontractors and client representatives. A professional and practical approach to problem-solving. Full UK driving licence. Desirable Experience Experience in any of the following would be advantageous, but is not essential: Wastewater treatment works, pumping stations or water-industry projects. Mechanical process equipment, such as pumps, blowers, screens, grit plant, sludge equipment or screw pumps. Stainless-steel fabrication, pipework, valves, penstocks or tanks. Lifting operations, confined-space work, working at height or temporary works. Planned maintenance, fault finding, refurbishment or commissioning. Southern Water, Thames Water or wider utilities-framework experience.