About the Role

Vertical Recruitment is working alongside a leading Design and Build M&E Contractor. The business is known for their specialist experience within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. We are seeking a highly skilled Contract Mechanical Design Engineer with relevant experience to join their team. This role involves taking a lead in the design of critical projects, delivering innovative mechanical systems tailored to the unique demands of pharmaceutical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design and Engineering:

• Develop mechanical designs for HVAC systems, cleanrooms, process utilities, and plumbing specific to pharmaceutical environments.
• Ensure all designs meet pharmaceutical industry standards (
• Perform load calculations, equipment sizing, airflow modelling, and system validation to achieve contamination control and environmental requirements.

Sector-Specific Expertise:

• Design systems for temperature, humidity, and particulate control to maintain strict cleanroom classifications.
• Develop solutions for pharmaceutical process utilities, including WFI (water for injection), clean steam, and compressed air systems.

Project Collaboration:

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including project managers, architects, and validation specialists, to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Liaise with clients to understand project requirements and provide tailored technical solutions.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and compliance reports to meet pharmaceutical regulations and industry standards.
• Support the commissioning, qualification, and validation phases of mechanical systems.



Problem Solving and Value Engineering:

• Provide innovative design solutions to overcome project challenges while ensuring cost-efficiency.
• Recommend value engineering opportunities to optimize system performance and project delivery timelines.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design within the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in GMP environments.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and tools like Hevacomp or IES.
• Knowledge of cleanroom design principles, HVAC systems, and ideally experience with the pharmaceutical sector.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a design and build contracting environment.
• Involvement in projects for manufacturing facilities, R&D labs, or other life sciences settings.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and energy-efficient systems in pharmaceutical contexts.

Outside IR35