Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Salary up to £65,000, Excellent Benefits + Structured Career Development Programme

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team as a recognised technical authority. This senior role offers a highly enhanced benefits package, and a clear, structured career development pathway with full accreditation support.

If you’re an experienced engineer who thrives on technical leadership, complex problem‑solving and shaping engineering excellence, this role provides the platform to make a significant impact.

The Role

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will act as a technical authority, providing expert engineering leadership, governance and strategic direction across multiple projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the technical authority within areas of recognised expertise
• Leading the development, review and approval of complex engineering designs, analyses, specifications and technical documentation
• Providing expert technical guidance and support throughout the engineering lifecycle
• Leading and participating in technical, design and gate reviews
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, standards, codes of practice and company procedures
• Identifying, assessing and managing technical risks, implementing mitigation measures
• Supporting project planning, estimation and decision‑making with specialist knowledge
• Developing, maintaining and promoting engineering standards and best practice
• Mentoring and developing engineers, supporting competency growth and knowledge transfer
• Engaging with clients, suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders on complex technical matters
• Supporting business development, bidding and strategic initiatives
• Acting as an escalation point for significant technical issues and providing recommendations for resolution

About You

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering - Will consider HND or equivalent with a proven track record in the design, development and delivery of complex mechanical systems.
• Extensive 3D CAD experience (ideally Creo or SolidWorks), including generating, reviewing and approving designs
• Significant experience in GD&T, limits & fits, and design for manufacture
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles (mechanics, dynamics, materials)
• Extensive experience with electric motors, rotating machinery, actuation systems, bearings and seals
• Experience leading technical decision‑making and providing specialist guidance
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering designs, calculations and documentation
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional registration
• Technically inquisitive, innovative and solutions‑focused
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Able to work independently and exercise sound engineering judgement
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical information
• Practical, hands‑on approach
• Flexible and adaptable across multiple projects
• Committed to mentoring and developing engineers

Desirable

• Experience designing for submerged environments
• Hands‑on experience during fabrication, construction or commissioning phases

Benefits & Development

This senior role offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your long‑term career and wellbeing:

Highly enhanced pension scheme

Structured career development programme with clear progression routes

Accreditation support for professional registration

Training & development investment

Twice‑yearly salary reviews

Life assurance & health assurance

Optional project‑related travel

Salary

Up to £65,000, depending on experience.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer looking for a role with genuine influence, technical leadership and long‑term progression, we’d love to hear from you.