Principal - Mechanical Engineering

About the role

While water is the world's most precious resource, at Beca HunterH2O, our people are our most precious resource. We are passionate about what we do and the culture we have developed. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas, strategies and client solutions will be. As our pipeline of work grows, we are seeking a Senior Associate / Principal Engineer (Technical Director) to join our multidisciplinary water team. This role can be based at either our Newcastle or Brisbane offices. About You You will have extensive experience delivering complex engineering solutions in the water sector and a proven track record in mechanical design, commissioning and operations, and troubleshooting across large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure projects-including treatment plants and pump stations (>500L/s). Bringing a deep technical expertise in all aspects of treatment plant and pumping station design: equipment selection and specification, process optimisation, construction support, and implementation of robust risk management practices aligned with WHS requirements and industry standards. Ideally, you will have experience leading teams through all project phases-from planning and options development through concept and detailed design, specification preparation, procurement, construction support, commissioning, and operational handover. Our Senior Associates and Principal Engineers are trusted to: Provide technical leadership during project delivery-including oversight of mechanical design intent, equipment selection and installation practices Collaborate with bid teams to ensure alignment of mechanical design during tender phases; review technical documentation; refine cost estimates; and develop competitive proposals Work closely with procurement teams to define scopes, engage vendors (including RFQ processes), and coordinate equipment selection Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders-acting as a key technical liaison to present solutions confidently and ensure stakeholder satisfaction Mentor junior staff; manage client relationships; evaluate tenders; develop contract documentation; and drive innovation on high-value projects Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project outcomes You'll have relevant mechanical engineering qualifications and proven leadership in mechanical design for water or wastewater treatment projects is essential. Strong communication skills, stakeholder engagement experience, familiarity with digital engineering platforms (such as BIM/Revit), and the ability to deliver under pressure are highly regarded. A career with Beca will provide you with: Flexibility & Wellbeing: We recognise that achieving a work-life balance is unique to everyone. Enjoy flexible working options to manage your personal and family priorities, along with dedicated leave for wellbeing and community engagement Belonging & Ownership: Join a diverse and inclusive team where collaboration and creativity thrive. Bring your whole self to work and take advantage of unique shareholder opportunities to share in our collective success Parental Leave: Take time for what matters most with up to 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave, inclusive of all genders Career Growth & Development: Your growth is our priority! Benefit from continuous learning through our training programs and support for professional accreditation, including pathways to Chartership with Engineers Australia. Work alongside industry leaders and gain hands-on experience to empower your career potential Beca prides itself on supporting a diverse and inclusive culture - open to inputs from creative people of all genders, ethnicity, identity, thought and experiences. Who is Beca? Beca is one of the Asia-Pacific region's largest employee-owned professional services consultancies. Our team of over 4000 professionals is diverse enough to bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise to every client and challenge, creating resourceful, smart solutions from our collective experience and insights. As a people-focused business, we understand that work-life balance means a lot of different things to differe