Principal design engineer

Job Description

Principal Design Engineer - CAB Structures

Staffordshire - ST14

Highly competitive salary plus industry leading benefits.

Our client, a globally recognised engineering manufacturer, is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the design and development of cab structures and operator systems for advanced machinery. The position combines hands-on design engineering with technical leadership, supporting projects from concept through to production.

You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, compliant and cost-effective engineering solutions while driving continuous product improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority for cab and operator environment systems, including cab structures, ergonomics, controls, visibility, HVAC, noise and vibration.
• Lead operator environment activities throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring robust and timely delivery of engineering solutions.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant legislation, standards and internal engineering requirements.
• Own and manage technical risk through activities such as DFMEA, design reviews and validation planning.
• Drive standardisation, component reuse and complexity reduction across product platforms.
• Work closely with Structures, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality and other business functions to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support and challenge suppliers to develop technically robust and cost-effective designs.
• Liaise with testing and development teams to define and support validation activities, including endurance, customer evaluation and development builds.
• Investigate and resolve engineering issues arising from testing, production and field performance, feeding lessons learned into future product development.
• Mentor and support engineers within the team, helping to develop capability and maintain high technical standards.

About You

• Strong background in structural, mechanical or cab system design within a complex engineering environment.
• Good understanding of engineering compliance, legislation and design governance.
• Experience designing fabricated structures, welded assemblies and complex mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of ergonomics, operator controls and human-machine interaction.
• Experience leading DFMEA activities and structured engineering problem solving.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (NX advantageous but not essential).
• Experience with plastics design and injection moulded components would be highly beneficial.
• Able to balance technical performance, quality, cost and manufacturability throughout the design process.
• Backgrounds from off-highway, automotive, rail, aerospace or other regulated engineering sectors will be considered.

What's on Offer?

• Excellent salary package.
• Outstanding benefits package including healthcare, 10% matched pension and employee rewards.
• Opportunity to join a world-class engineering organisation.
• Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
• A varied role combining hands-on design with technical leadership.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.