Job Description

Role Overview

We're not looking for the next Isambard Kingdom Brunel aiming to reinvent the wheel overnight--this role calls for a thoughtful engineer with a steady hand, a mature mindset, and a collaborative spirit. Innovation is welcomed, but delivered with realism and responsibility.


We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our heavy civil and construction plant business, playing a crucial role in delivering practical and innovative solutions to our clients. This includes, but is not limited to, the design of pressurised hydraulic and pneumatic systems in accordance with UK regulations and industry standards.


As this is a customer-facing role, an excellent command of English--both written and verbal--is essential. You should possess a comprehensive understanding of fluid dynamics to effectively design, analyse, and optimise machinery and pressurised systems where fluid flow is integral.


This is not purely a desk-based role. You'll be expected to roll up your sleeves and work alongside the technical and fabrication team in our in-house workshop, or visit customer sites to assist with product installation or fault finding. If you prefer to stay hands-off, this may not be the role for you.

Safety First

Health and safety are paramount in everything we do. Every team member has full authority and the Board's backing to halt any activity immediately if they believe it poses a risk. We value a proactive approach to safety--no compromise, no hesitation.

Commercial Responsibilities

You'll be responsible for controlling project costs, maintaining spreadsheets covering labour, parts, overheads, and contingency, and agreeing costs with customers. While collaboration is vital, you should also be confident leading projects with minimal supervision.


You will lead Microsoft Teams meetings with customers to present proposed designs. Though based at our depot in Wellingborough, national travel to client sites may account for up to 30% of your time (a company vehicle is provided). Overnight stays may occasionally be required, so flexibility is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the primary point of contact for site-based clients, building strong relationships through regular visits and transparent dialogues Lead project kick-off and design-review meetings (in person or via Teams), capturing requirements, clarifying scope, and managing expectations Prepare and present polished technical and commercial proposals, ensuring clients clearly understand deliverables, timelines, and costs Develop detailed CAD drawings for hydraulic, pneumatic, and ventilation systems, specifying components, materials, and tolerances Perform fluid-dynamic calculations to validate designs under real-world operating conditions Champion the company's stop-work authority: empower every team member to halt procedures instantly if they identify an unsafe condition Conduct safety briefings, incident investigations, and root-cause analyses, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence Develop, maintain, and track detailed cost spreadsheets covering labour, parts, overheads, and contingency, ensuring projects stay on budget Coordinate scheduling, resource allocation, and subcontractor engagement to meet milestones and client deadlines Negotiate costs and contract terms with clients and suppliers, balancing commercial viability with technical integrity Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, providing hands-on guidance in design, analysis, and workshop practices Foster a culture of open communication, collective problem-solving, and shared accountability for safety and performance

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline Minimum 5 years of industry experience, ideally within the construction sector Proficient in CAD software and essential engineering tools Thorough knowledge of UK regulations and standards related to mechanical and pneumatic systems Strong problem-solving, analytical, commercial, and communication skills (including excellent English, written and verbal) Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Company Background

The Joseph Gallagher Group is a family owned Civil Engineering business that delivers expertise whilst putting client satisfaction at the core of the business. Built on a personal reputation for honesty and quality, we understand the actions we take affect the communities and environments we operate in.

LIFE Culture

We're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award-winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company's DNA and core values.

Disability Confident Committed

We are a disability confident employer and we're committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at HR@josephgallagher.co.uk.