Principal Engineer An industry-leading engineering firm, well respected for its technical excellence and customer-first approach, is currently seeking a Principal Engineer to lead its electrical design function. This privately owned, family-run business has a long-standing history of delivering high-quality, bespoke control panel systems to clients across a wide range of sectors. As Principal Engineer, you will lead a small skilled design team, and playing a central role in maintaining the company’s high standards while guiding future innovation and growth. Reporting directly to senior leadership you will be responsible for upholding design integrity, driving continuous improvement, and helping to instil best engineering practice throughout the business. Key Responsibilities: * Providing strategic and technical leadership across the design team * Managing team performance, skills development, and resource planning * Ensuring design excellence through compliance with relevant standards and client specifications * Leading initiatives to enhance design efficiency, reduce cost, and accelerate project timelines * Championing innovation, digital tools, and continuous improvement within the engineering team * Collaborating with commercial and production teams to deliver successful end-to-end project outcomes What You Will Bring: We are seeking a confident and collaborative leader with a strong background in electrical design engineering and a passion for delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions. Essential: * Proven experience in electrical engineering, ideally within control panel or automation systems * Proficiency in CAD design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent) * Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams * Strong project and stakeholder management capabilities * Ability to drive design improvements, enhance quality, and optimise engineering costs * Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders Desirable: * Working knowledge of PLC programming and systems integration (not essential) What’s on Offer: * A senior leadership role within a well-established, family-owned business known for quality, stability, and long-standing customer relationships * The opportunity to build and shape a high-performing electrical design function * A collaborative, people-first culture rooted in family values and technical excellence * Ongoing investment in professional growth, career development, and team capability * A supportive working environment focused on innovation, employee wellbeing, and continuous improvement This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment and takes pride in developing a team, leading by example, and delivering results that matter