Job Title: Principal Hardware Engineer
Location: Stafford
Salary: Up to £65,000 (dependent on experience)
Hours: Hybrid working: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home, Monday-Thursday 8am-4.30pm Friday 8am-12.30pm
Permanent
Office Based
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
Technical Partners are seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to lead engineering activities across a portfolio of projects. This is a senior leadership role with full technical ownership, responsible for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.
You will provide technical direction, mentor and develop engineering teams, and ensure adherence to best practices and project delivery standards. A strong focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and compliance with relevant ISO standards and legislation is essential. This opportunity is ideal for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills and a passion for driving engineering excellence.
Benefits
Basic salary up to £65,000 DOE
25 days annual leave, 8 Bank Holidays, plus the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days per year
Flexible start and finish times, including flexi-Fridays
Competitive Employee Referral Award Scheme
Private Medical Insurance after 6 months service
Life Assurance
Pension
Payment of professional membership fees
Healthy Extras - Employee Assistance Programme, access to a practising GP, Confidential Advice
Enhanced family friendly policies
Training opportunities to develop your career path
Supportive working environment
Access to a wellbeing support
Key Responsibilities
You will:
Lead the successful delivery of allocated projects, ensuring financial performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction
Oversee day-to-day project team activities to ensure smooth execution
Report contract performance, risks, and opportunities to senior management
Lead, develop, and manage engineering teams to maintain a high-performing workforce
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Ensure compliance with ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001) and legal requirements
Provide strategic input on market trends and business direction
Delegate and supervise engineering work, driving performance and accountability
Support business growth through technical input into bids, proposals, and new initiatives
Lead preparation of technical and contractual documentation, including tender responses
Communicate the impact of technological and market changes and recommend solutions
Work closely with sales and business development teams on specifications and proposals
Interpret client requirements to ensure technical, commercial, and regulatory alignment
Coordinate with clients, contractors, and internal teams on technical and commercial matters
Requirements
Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline, holding a minimum 2:1
MOD security clearance (or ability to obtain)
Minimum 4 years' experience in hardware development
Proven track record of delivering successful engineering projects
Experience in functional safety systems (ideally within nuclear or regulated industries)
Strong understanding of systems integration and cybersecurity
Experience working within ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 frameworks
Ability to drive efficiency, cost reduction, and continuous improvement
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
Pass DBS and BPSS checks
Hold a minimum 2:1 degree
Be a UK national (no dual nationality)
Have lived in the UK for the past 5 years
Have no unspent criminal convictions
Be willing to work within the nuclear defence sector
Experience in regulated industries is desirable
Core Values
We are looking for individuals who:
Deliver on commitments
Prioritise safety and security
Demonstrate technical excellence
Embrace continuous learning
Work collaboratively
Drive innovation and challenge the status quo
About the Organisation
Our client is a specialist engineering organisation delivering system and design services to highly regulated sectors including nuclear and defence. With a highly experienced team, they provide control and functional safety system solutions across the full project lifecycle, from requirements capture and design through to build, testing, installation, and commissioning.
As part of a wider global engineering group with over 50 years of industry experience, the organisation operates across the UK, Europe, and North America. It focuses on delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions that support safe, secure, and sustainable operations.
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