Mechanical Design Engineer - Water Infrastructure

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

As a Mechanical Design Engineer , you will join Birmingham team to support our activities within the Water Infrastructure sector.

You will play a key role in developing, coordinating, and integrating specialist mechanical design packages in collaboration with the Design Joint Venture (DJV), installation teams, civils contractors, and rail infrastructure stakeholders.

This role focuses on the detailed design and construction delivery of open track and tunnel portal pumping stations, including wet-wells, valve chambers, submersible storm and jockey pumps, ductile iron pipework, valving systems, lifting equipment, and associated infrastructure.

You will support project delivery through RIBA Stages 4 (Detailed Design) and 5 (Manufacturing & Construction) within a highly regulated, safety-critical rail environment.

• Location: Birmingham 
• On Site: 2 times X per Month 
• Clearance: BPSS 
• Experience Level: 5-10 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design pumping stations , wet-wells , valve chambers , and pipework systems .
• Specify submersible pumps , gate valves , NRVs , and mechanical equipment.
• Perform hydraulic calculations , surge analysis , and system sizing.
• Ensure pumps operate within Best Efficiency Point (BEP) range.
• Interface with Civil , Electrical , ICA , and site teams.
• Coordinate penetrations, supports, holding-down bolts, and structural loads.
• Manage Interface Control Documents (ICDs) .
• Produce Temporary Works Designs (TWD) .
• Support lifting plans, temporary supports, dewatering, and installation activities.
• Prepare MARs , ITPs , FAT documentation , O&M Manuals .
• Ensure compliance with WIMES , HS2 Standards , BS EN , UKCA .
• Participate in design reviews and clash resolution.
• Deliver designs in line with CDM Regulations 2015 .
• Develop safe access , maintenance , and lifting strategies .

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Mechanical design experience in water , rail , or major infrastructure .
• Strong knowledge of pumps , pipework , valves , and drainage systems.
• Experience with hydraulic modelling and multidisciplinary coordination.
• BIM / CDE knowledge desirable ( ProjectWise , Business Collaborator ).

Required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering , or related discipline or equivalent military experience .

Desirable Skills:

• Detailed knowledge of WIMES standards (1.02, 8.03, 8.09, 4.01).
• Experience in UK rail, water, tunnelling, or major infrastructure projects.
• BIM / Digital Engineering experience within a Common Data Environment (CDE).
• Familiarity with Bentley ProjectWise and Business Collaborator .
• Ability to act as competent signatory for mechanical design verification and validation.
• Experience working with offshore or Global Capability Centre (GCC) design teams.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.