Principal Mechanical Engineer
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum
Location: Near Addlestone, Surrey
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Type: Permanent
Are you a recognised Mechanical Engineering expert looking for a role where your technical decisions genuinely shape projects, products, and business performance?
We’re supporting a highly innovative engineering business in the defence sector in their search for a Principal Mechanical Engineer (Mechanical SME) to act as the organisation’s go-to Subject Matter Expert across all mechanical engineering matters.
This is a high-impact position focused on technical excellence, governance, problem-solving, and innovation rather than people management—ideal for someone who wants to remain hands-on technically while influencing engineering strategy across multiple programmes.
What’s in it for you?
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Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience, Paid overtime or time off in lieu
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Flexible working hours with core hours in place, Competitive employer pension contribution, Private medical care, Holiday closedown over Christmas
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Ongoing training and development, Salary sacrifice schemes, Company laptop / mobile / home office equipment
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Relocation package available for the right candidate
Security / Eligibility Requirements – Please Read Before Applying
Due to the nature of the work and security clearance requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must hold a British passport
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No dual nationality due to security clearance restrictions
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Ideally British-born, although applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis
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Must be eligible to obtain high-level UK Security Clearance / DV clearance
Principal Mechanical Engineer Role
As the Mechanical Engineering Subject Matter Expert, you will:
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Act as the recognised SME for all mechanical engineering matters across the organisation
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Provide high-level technical guidance across multiple projects and programmes
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Lead complex problem-solving and root cause analysis for critical engineering issues
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Review and approve mechanical designs, calculations, and technical documentation
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Ensure solutions are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with operational requirements
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Support design reviews, risk assessments, and engineering assurance activities
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Act as the escalation point for high-risk or technically complex decisions
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Complete mechanical design activities from concept through to manufacture
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Support bids, proposals, and project planning with expert technical input
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Work closely with electronics, production, and test teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions
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Identify technical risks and opportunities early and recommend mitigation strategies
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Mentor and coach engineers, apprentices, and junior team members
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Drive innovation in mechanical design, engineering methods, and product improvement
What We’re Looking For
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Extensive experience in Mechanical Engineering within defence, engineering, or manufacturing environments
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Proven track record of solving complex engineering challenges
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Experience across the full product lifecycle from concept to manufacture
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Deep understanding of mechanical design, analysis, and materials
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Strong understanding of engineering standards, compliance, and safety requirements
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Ability to influence and guide teams without direct line management authority
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Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
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Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
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Chartered Engineer status, or working towards, would be advantageous
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior-level engineer to join a growing and innovative business where your expertise will have a direct impact across multiple departments and high-profile engineering programmes.
To Apply, press the apply button and one of the team will be in touch.
INDA