Lead Mechanical Engineer – Contract – Manchester

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our oil and gas engineering design team on a contract basis starting in June. Based in Manchester, you will drive mechanical engineering activities from concept through to project execution across upstream, midstream and downstream facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage mechanical engineering work for design projects, providing technical direction to a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and review equipment specifications, material requisitions, calculations, bid evaluations, design reports and engineering studies.
• Oversee design and selection of static and rotating equipment such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, pumps, compressors and piping systems.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, API, ANSI, ISO, NACE and other relevant codes and standards.
• Coordinate with process, piping, structural, electrical, instrumentation and project teams to integrate designs.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOP studies, constructability reviews and risk assessments.
• Support procurement activities, vendor document review and inspection requirements.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets and resource allocation for mechanical engineering tasks.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers and interface with clients, contractors and vendors.
• Assist with site activities including commissioning, troubleshooting and field engineering when needed.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10–15 years of mechanical engineering experience in the oil and gas industry.
• Minimum 5 years in a lead or supervisory engineering role.
• Experience in engineering design consultancy or EPC environments.
• Strong understanding of international design codes and standards (ASME, API, ASTM, ISO).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Required skills

• Mechanical design and engineering calculations.
• FEED and detailed engineering for oil & gas facilities.
• Knowledge of industry codes (ASME, API, ANSI, ISO, NACE).
• Use of mechanical design software and analysis tools.