Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across the design, development, modification, and in-service support of complex engineered products.

This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative engineering solutions from initial concept through to qualification, manufacture, and operational support. You will work within a multidisciplinary environment, providing technical direction, mentoring engineers, and ensuring designs meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements.

The successful candidate will be capable of working independently, delivering high-quality engineering outputs on time and within budget, while engaging directly with customers and stakeholders to present technical solutions and design justifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate innovative mechanical design concepts and solutions using first-principles engineering approaches to meet project and customer requirements.
• Develop and present Mechanical Development Plans, design reviews, technical reports, and supporting engineering documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as Design Authority for mechanical designs, reviewing and approving engineering datasets, drawings, models, and associated documentation to ensure compliance with applicable standards and design intent.
• Lead and support design activities throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through qualification and production support.
• Perform technical reviews of designs, calculations, reports, and engineering outputs produced by other engineers.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and subject matter experts to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Support project planning activities, including estimating effort, resources, and technical risks associated with future work packages.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and guidance to engineers and technicians.
• Ensure adherence to engineering governance, processes, standards, and company procedures.
• Represent the business in customer meetings, technical reviews, site visits, and installation or support activities as required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Chartered Engineer status (or able to demonstrate equivalent capability and experience).
• Extensive experience across the full product development lifecycle, from concept through to production and in-service support.
• Strong experience producing and reviewing engineering documentation, technical drawings, and model-based design datasets.
• Proficiency with modern CAD systems and product lifecycle management tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading mechanical engineering activities and/or multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to present technical information confidently to customers and senior stakeholders.

Engineering Environment

The engineering team provides specialist support across a diverse portfolio of complex products with long operational lifecycles. Responsibilities include sustaining existing products, resolving obsolescence challenges, developing design modifications, supporting qualification activities, and delivering engineering solutions that maintain product performance, reliability, and operational availability.

Working closely with systems, hardware, and specialist engineering disciplines, the team plays a key role in ensuring products continue to meet customer and regulatory requirements throughout their service life.

Please note SC Clearance is required for this position

If you feel you have the right skills and experience, please apply now and we will be in touch for a further conversation