Principal Mechanical Engineer
Aerospace & Defence
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a dynamic and experienced team working on some of the most advanced technology on the market today. This senior role involves independently handling both routine and complex engineering challenges. The Principal Engineer takes personal responsibility, exercises initiative, and identifies when established practices should be revised or challenged.
The role involves ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with engineering processes, and submitting work for independent review as appropriate.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop technical documents and product designs independently, meeting project timelines and budgets.
* Evaluate project requirements and generate new requirements within your area of expertise.
* Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to ensure design integrity and apply DFM/DFT practices.
* Prepare and review engineering estimates and project bids, identifying risks and dependencies.
* Communicate complex ideas to peers, management, and external stakeholders, including design reviews.
* Coordinate with support functions such as Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain.
* Utilize PLM tools and maintain configuration, change management, and document security standards.
* Mentor junior engineers and uphold compliance with export, licensing, and ITAR regulations.
* Lead failure investigations, propose corrective solutions, and report findings to management and clients.
* Manage technical challenges and guide teams to meet project objectives.
* Lead large or complex engineering work packages, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards.
* Create assemblies, models, and drawings using multiple CAD tools, applying dimensioning and tolerances accurately.
* Maintain drafting and modeling standards aligned with British and international norms, mentoring junior staff.
* Design and assess electrical wiring assemblies, PCBs, and electromechanical sub-assemblies to relevant standards.
* Conduct FEA analysis, provide reporting, and support CFD analysis where required.
* Apply manufacturing knowledge and APQP/PPAP methodologies to engineering lifecycles, including AS9145 compliance.
* Assess and manage technical risks, clearly communicating implications.
* Communicate technical matters succinctly to internal and external stakeholders.
* Organize personal and team workloads effectively to meet objectives.
* Make timely decisions with awareness of financial and project impacts.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and role-specific software.
* Occasional travel may be required.
Required Skills & Experience
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience, with extensive post-qualification experience in complex engineering environments.
* Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional recognition preferred.
Desirable:
* Experience with mechanical aspects of PCB and enclosure design, including EMI/EMC considerations.
* Familiarity with aerospace materials and manufacturing processes.
* Knowledge of airworthiness, safety certification, and environmental standards such as DO-160.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements within core hours.
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days.
* Life assurance at 4x annual salary.
* Flexible benefits package.
* Pension contributions up to 7.5% depending on length of service.
* Sports and social club activities.
* Supportive work environment with regular team events.