Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Cambridge, UK - Hybrid (Office-Focused)

An opportunity has arisen for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a specialist product design and engineering consultancy operating within the medical technology and highly regulated product development sector.

The organisation delivers end-to-end engineering solutions for global clients, working across early-stage concept development, detailed mechanical design, prototyping, testing and design for manufacture. Projects range from single-use medical devices through to complex electromechanical systems, with a strong emphasis on practical engineering, rapid iteration and rigorous technical validation.

This is a highly collaborative and hands-on engineering environment where Principal Engineers play a key role in both technical delivery and project leadership. The culture is non-hierarchical, with engineers at all levels encouraged to contribute to technical direction, problem-solving and innovation.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will act as a technical lead across multiple projects, combining deep engineering expertise with client-facing responsibility and delivery ownership. The role also provides a pathway into broader leadership responsibilities within a growing engineering team.

Main Responsibilities of the Principal Mechanical Engineer (Cambridge - Hybrid):

• Lead the delivery of complex mechanical product development projects from concept through to prototyping and validation
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Develop innovative mechanical design solutions for regulated medical and industrial applications
• Produce and review detailed mechanical designs with a strong focus on design for manufacture and assembly
• Build and test prototypes, including hands-on laboratory and workshop-based development work
• Design and develop test rigs and experimental validation setups
• Act as the primary technical interface for clients, presenting design concepts, progress updates and technical findings
• Translate customer requirements into practical engineering solutions and project deliverables
• Manage project scope, timelines and budgets across multiple concurrent programmes
• Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers
• Contribute to client engagement and support the development of new project opportunities through technical input

Requirements of the Principal Mechanical Engineer(Cambridge - Hybrid):

• Significant mechanical engineering experience (typically 10+ years) in product development or consultancy environments
• Strong track record of delivering mechanical engineering projects from concept to manufacture
• Experience leading technical projects and multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong client-facing capability, including presentations and technical discussions
• Proven ability to manage project timelines, budgets and delivery expectations
• Hands-on engineering capability with experience in prototyping and testing
• Experience working within regulated industries such as medical devices, aerospace, defence or automotive
• Strong engineering fundamentals with excellent problem-solving ability
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Desirable:

• Experience within medical device or medical technology development
• Exposure to SOLIDWORKS or similar CAD tools
• Experience in consultancy or contract product development environments
• Familiarity with design for manufacture and regulated product development processes

To apply for this Principal Mechanical Engineer role, please send your CV to Kishan Chandarana: (url removed)

(phone number removed)