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