Mechanical Engineering Lead

Mechanical Engineering Lead Location: Reading, UK Salary Range: £103,300 - £139,900

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Lead to join the Project Management Team supporting a major pre-FEED contractor office in Reading, UK. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership and engineering expertise on behalf of the JV, ensuring safe, operable, cost-effective, and technically robust mechanical engineering solutions across the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will work closely with project management, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to optimise scope, manage technical risk, and support efficient project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Provide mechanical engineering leadership aligned with project objectives and delivery strategies
Support the development of safe, reliable, and cost-effective engineering solutions during pre-FEED and FEED phases
Drive value improvement and capital efficiency initiatives within the project design
Review and assess proposed new technologies and equipment for suitability and compliance
Maintain and develop mechanical engineering standards, specifications, philosophies, and procedures
Ensure contractor deliverables meet project requirements, engineering standards, and quality expectations
Provide technical oversight and expert input into FEED and EPC contractor activities
Participate in technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contractor selection processes
Support risk identification, mitigation, and decision-making throughout project execution
Develop and implement engineering surveillance and assurance activities
Collaborate with operations, maintenance, procurement, and execution teams to ensure integrated project delivery
Mentor and support engineering teams while promoting best practice and continuous improvement

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Minimum 15 years of relevant engineering experience, including significant exposure to discipline technical leadership roles
Strong technical expertise with hands-on knowledge of key mechanical engineering tools, standards, and practices
Experience developing engineering standards, design basis documents, and technical specifications
Proven ability to identify risk-based technical solutions and manage ambiguity effectively
Experience working across owner/operator, contractor, and consultancy environments
Strong understanding of refinery and/or chemical process facilities, preferably in one or more of the following areas:
Heavy oil upgrading
High-pressure hydroprocessing
Sour gas treatment
Saturated gas recovery
Ethylene cracking
Offsites and utilities
Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Experience supporting FEED/EPC project delivery and contractor management activities
Familiarity with Middle East projects or experience working with Saudi Aramco or ExxonMobil standards would be advantageousIf you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed