Closing Date
2025-09-26
Lead Mechanical Asset Engineer
Location: Sussex, Kent or Hampshire
Salary: from £53,400 – depending on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Asset Reliability Manager
Southern Water is on a mission to deliver water for life to our communities, and we’re looking for a driven and analytical
Lead Mechanical Asset Engineer to help us do just that. If you’re passionate about asset reliability, legislative compliance, and proactive maintenance strategies, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
You’ll be at the forefront of improving the reliability of Southern Water’s mechanical assets, at a time where the company seeks to invest in, and improve preventative maintenance. Through deep data analysis, compliance monitoring, and collaborative optimisation with operations and maintenance teams, you’ll drive performance and resilience across our infrastructure. Each week, you’ll lead risk-based deep dives into site-specific asset performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation to critical assets.
Key Accountabilities
- Champion proactive mechanical maintenance strategies
- Evaluate reliability, legislative and compliance based maintenance effectiveness
- Ensure compliance with HSE regulations such as PSSR, PUWER, LOLER, GSIUR
- Investigate root causes of mechanical failures
- Analyse spares obsolescence and procurement impacts
- Apply FMECA & RCA assessments and industry best practices
- Develop business cases using whole life cycle cost analysis
Skills & Competencies
- Proven experience in asset analysis, design, operation, or maintenance
- Strong planning and prioritisation abilities
- Effective cross-functional stakeholder engagement
- Logical, analytical mindset with excellent communication skills
- Flexible, self-motivated and engaging personal style
Knowledge & Qualifications
Technical Expertise:
- Familiarity with mechanical assets such as pumps, generators, gas systems, dosing systems and pressure vessels
- Understanding of statutory requirements and risk resolution
Essential
- ONC/OND in mechanical engineering or equivalent industry experience
Desirable
- Experience working within Asset Reliability
- Experience working within a mechanical field in a transferable industry (Utilities, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Food etc.)
- Engineering degree
- Membership of a professional institution
- NEBOSH/ IOSH H&S qualifications
Why Join Us?
At Southern Water, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. You’ll be part of a team that values your insights and empowers you to shape the future of water infrastructure. Recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply — we’re looking for potential as much as polish.
Ready to take the lead in mechanical asset reliability?
Apply today and help us build a more resilient future. 
