Associate Mechanical Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm in Manchester is looking for an experienced Associate Mechanical Engineer to join their team. The ideal candidate will work on designing HVAC solutions for data centers, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading a team of engineers. With a required Bachelor's degree and extensive industry experience, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD.
• Experience in leading teams and managing projects.

Responsibilities

• Carry out engineering concept design through to detailed design.
• Ensure all design projects are technically compliant.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff to build high-performing teams.

Skills

Mechanical system design

Data Centre experience

Leadership skills

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Position

Associate Mechanical Engineer — you will work with engineering teams to create detailed designs, plans, specifications and estimates for Data Centre/Mission Critical facilities. This role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the full project life cycle, from concept development, through drawings and specifications, to report preparation, equipment sizing and selection, and engagement during the construction contract.

Primary Objectives

• To assist the Group Leader with delivery of projects, with effective use of assisting engineers, maintaining technical quality, professionalism, completing all design activities to programme. Assist the Group Leader with coaching and staff training of engineers in the group.
• You will be required to produce detail design and installation design of complete HVAC solutions for Data Centres in conjunction with our Sales, Technical and Project Management teams.

While you will be a competent and experienced designer, we are looking for a self-starter who can manage and develop resources to meet project demands while maintaining the highest level of technical excellence and regulatory compliance and work as part of the wider multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Associate Mechanical Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Carry out engineering concept design through to detailed design.
• Ensure all design projects and reports within the group are technically compliant, to a consistent quality and standard. Maintain regular in-house design reviews and checks.
• Motivate yourself and manage staff within group to build coherent high performing teams. Set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop staff to optimise their potential.
• Implement and manage QA systems and procedures on all projects.
• Implement Company Health and Safety. Ensure all designs respond to the CDM regulations.

Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001 are adhered to.

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational qualifications to a degree level or equivalent are desired.
• Expert Mechanical Engineer preferably chartered.
• Data Centre experience is essential
• Experience, especially in designing and managing projects, minimum 6yrs industry experience.
• Managing Mechanical Design throughout all design stages
• Design Coordination with other stakeholders & disciplines
• Wide experience of critical systems HVAC engineering and multiples levels of resilience including cooling, ventilation, humidification, fuel oil and flue systems.
• Large scale chilled water and adiabatic cooling systems experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project and AutoCAD
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination and project management experience
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other\'s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Location & Schedule

Primary Location: United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Building Mechanical

Job Posting

Job Posting: Feb 6, 2026

Equal Opportunity - At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let\'s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world\'s greatest challenges. We\'re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.