Lead Mechanical Engineer

DCS Scaffolding; Hessle; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to take technical ownership of high-hazard process industry projects. This role includes leading a team of engineers and ensuring compliance with international standards. The position offers a hybrid work model with flexible hours, competitive salary, and a chance to influence technical direction within a people-focused business.

Qualifications

• Chartered status preferred.
• 15 years' mechanical design experience in relevant industries.
• 5 years' experience as a Lead Mechanical Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical leadership for all mechanical engineering elements.
• Leading and developing the mechanical engineering team.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Team Leadership

Technical Approval

Knowledge of International Codes

Project Management

Education

Degree (BSc/MSc or higher) in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Lead Mechanical Engineer – Hull, Hybrid – Next‑Generation EPC Projects

About our client

Our client is a fast‑growing, digitally advanced engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business delivering complex projects across oil and gas, petrochemical, chemicals and other high‑hazard process industries in the UK and beyond. They support clients from concept and FEED through detailed design and EPCm delivery, applying “different thinking” and innovation to unlock commercial and operational efficiencies on brownfield modifications, plant expansions and new energy projects.

Working as part of an integrated multi‑discipline team, you will join a business that actively challenges traditional EPC delivery, embraces new technology and offers genuine empowerment, flexible working and rapid progression for high performers.

The opportunity

Due to continued growth, our client is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to take technical ownership of the mechanical discipline on a range of high‑hazard, process industry projects. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will lead a small but expanding team of mechanical engineers and designers, acting as the discipline authority and final technical approval point for mechanical work.

The role is based out of Hessle with a hybrid split‑week pattern: typically working from home on Mondays and Fridays, and in the office Tuesday to Thursday, with flexi‑time around start and finish times by agreement. This is a permanent staff role with a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing technical leadership for all mechanical engineering elements of project scopes, with a strong focus on design basis, FEED and EPCm scope preparation and execution.

• Leading and developing the mechanical engineering and design team, ensuring all deliverables meet relevant international and European codes, standards and internal procedures.

About you

• Degree (BSc/MSc or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, with Chartered status preferred.

• Circa 15 years’ mechanical design experience in oil and gas, petro‑chemical, chemical or other high‑hazard industries, including producing deliverables to budgeted man‑hours.

• At least 5 years’ experience as a Lead Mechanical Engineer within an engineering consultancy, EPC/EPCM contractor or client organisation, ideally with significant package engineering experience (rotating and/or static equipment).

• Strong knowledge of international design codes and standards (e.g. ASME, API, EN) and experience across piping, vessels, tanks, rotating equipment, steel structures and mechanical‑civil interfaces.

Why this role is attractive

This is a chance to shape and grow the mechanical function within an ambitious, people‑focused business that celebrates bold, free and disruptive thinking. You will enjoy varied project work, real influence over technical direction, and visibility with both senior leadership and major clients, while retaining a healthy work‑life balance through hybrid and flexi‑time working.

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality