Who you are

• The ideal candidate would be a well-rounded and versatile individual who exemplifies the following key skills and attributes:
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Chartered Mechanical Engineer
• Extensive experience in progressively senior technical roles, including significant leadership of complex, high‑risk, cross‑disciplinary projects and programmes
• Nationally or international recognised subject matter expertise in areas such as pumping systems and water and wastewater treatment design
• Experience in the UK Water market is essential
• Takes broad perspective to identify innovative solutions, challenges the status quo
• Comprehensive knowledge and proven practical experience in the design integration of a wide range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, blowers, screens, and chemical dosing systems with experience across all design phases including construction
• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices, including CDM Regulations and DSEAR
• Commercially astute, with experience shaping winning proposals and driving practice or business growth
• Champion continuous improvement, driving enhancements to processes, services, technical standards, and innovation across the practice
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity, anticipating challenges and persuading senior stakeholders to adopt new perspectives, and navigate diverse, international and cross-cultural delivery
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider AtkinsRéalis D&AT practice
• Meet some but not all of the criteria? We’d still love to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter letting us know your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills and experience align with the role

What the job involves

• The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Technical Director for Mechanical Engineering to join our team in the UK. We are looking for an energetic and experienced Mechanical Engineer that can both lead as technical expert in mechanical design as well as drive forward business results
• AtkinsRéalis specialise in all aspects of mechanical engineering within the Water Sector in the UK and internationally. Mechanical Engineering project opportunities also stretch to other sectors such as nuclear and defence. We’re committed to providing industry-leading engineering solutions right through the project lifecycle from feasibility to commissioning, with value added through client-side support as well as construction phases
• As a key member of our technical leadership team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects for our Water market clients – clients like Thames Water, Anglian Water, Environment Agency, Welsh Water, United Utilities, Scottish Water, and more. We’re committed to providing industry-leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client-side and construction-phase support
• By providing technical leadership across the organisation you’ll drive results, by contributing to functional strategy, influencing senior stakeholders and leading within the mechanical group and multidisciplinary project teams, to deliver measurable outcomes.In this role, you will set direction for complex, high-impact projects and initiatives, anticipate business and regulatory challenges, and develop innovative solutions and offerings that move the business forward
• Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world-class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration isn’t a buzzword.We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you with whatever you need
• Being a Technical Director with us involves UK wide travel. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week travel/office based. This position can be based at any of our main locations: Epsom, London, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, or Glasgow. It can also be based in our other offices but may require additional travel to main locations as needed: Peterborough, Cambridge, Cardiff, Swansea, Derby, Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh
• As a Mechanical Engineering Technical Director in the D&AT Practice, the successful candidate would have the following responsibilities:
• Provide Technical Leadership within discipline for the national D&AT practice and influence D&AT Practice wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal process and services
• Serve as a recognised expert and technical authority in Mechanical Engineering across the
• D&AT Practice and wider AtkinsRéalis business
• Provide visible representation of your and AtkinsRéalis’ Mechanical Engineering technical expertise to our current and prospective clients
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including internal and external clients, operational staff, project teams, or external stakeholders
• Recommend and drive improvements to processes, services, and technical practices while ensuring robust engineering governance is consistently upheld
• Oversee technical input into bid proposals, defining the delivery strategy and working with cross‑functional teams to prepare high‑quality, compliant, competitive submissions
• Proactively identify opportunities for cross‑selling and business growth, using commercial insight to strengthen and expand client relationships and selling our value proposition to clients
• Grow, develop, and manage the Mechanical engineering capability within the national practice, supporting talent development and succession planning
• Anticipate emerging business, regulatory, and technology challenges, identifying risks and opportunities early and advising senior leadership
• Provide strategic oversight across multiple complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery, and alignment with client and practice objectives
• Work independently even in the most challenging situations. Act as the point of escalation for the most complex technical matters and exercise personal judgement to find solutions