Principal Mechanical Engineer - EV / Automotive - Norfolk - £Competitive
Role: Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location: Norfolk
Working Arrangement: On Site
Salary: £Competitive
Overview
We are working with a highly innovative engineering business operating within the electric powertrain and energy sector. The company specialises in the design and development of advanced electric machine technology and is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in delivering robust, high-performance motor designs.
This is a specialist, senior-level position, focused on the mechanical and thermal design of electric machines, covering the full development lifecycle from concept through to validation and production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the mechanical design and integration of electric machines
* Design and develop:
* Rotor systems (magnet selection, placement, retention methods)
* Structural integrity at high speed (fatigue, burst strength, containment)
* Shafts, bearings, and housings
* Define and implement air-cooled thermal management strategies
* Own integration of key motor components:
* Permanent magnets
* Stator windings and mechanical integration
* Electrical insulation systems
* Flux return paths and associated components
* Work closely with electromagnetic and controls teams to ensure performance targets are met
* Conduct and guide engineering analysis:
* Mechanical stress and deformation
* Rotor dynamics, vibration, and balance
* Thermal behaviour and heat flow
* Tolerance stack-up and manufacturability
* Lead FMEA, failure analysis, and risk mitigation activities
* Define and execute test and validation plans, including:
* Performance and efficiency testing
* Thermal and durability testing
* High-speed and environmental testing
* Analyse test data and drive design improvements and corrective actions
* Ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective
* Support internal and external stakeholders with technical input and decision-making
* Mentor and support junior engineers where required
Responsibilities & Accountabilities
* Delivery of motor designs meeting performance, durability, and cost targets
* Ownership of mechanical and thermal integrity across operating conditions
* Execution of structured validation and verification processes
* Successful transition of designs from development into production
* Ongoing improvement through analysis, testing, and feedback loops
Experience Required
* Proven experience in electric machine design (mechanical focus)
* Strong expertise in:
* Rotor systems and high-speed operation
* Stator construction and integration
* Thermal management (air-cooled systems preferred)
* Experience with motor build, testing, and validation
* Experience leading or contributing to FMEA and failure analysis
* Experience working within multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Qualifications
- Engineering degree or equivalent professional accreditation
Skills & Knowledge
* Strong understanding of electric motor construction and real-world performance
* Knowledge of materials including electrical steel, magnets, and conductors
* Experience with mechanical and thermal analysis tools
* Ability to balance performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost
* Structured, data-driven approach to engineering decision-making
* Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
Additional Information
* Full-time, on-site role based in Norfolk
* Standard working hours with flexibility based on project requirements
* Occasional travel may be required
Summary
This is a highly specialised engineering role suited to someone with deep expertise in electric machine design, looking to work on advanced technology within a technically driven and growing organisation.
If this is of interest please apply on LinkedIn or email george.taylor@everec.co.uk