Principal Mechanical Engineer

{ “@context”: “http://schema.org”, “@type”: “JobPosting”, “title”: “Principal Mechanical Engineer”, “description”: “

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Rolling Stock

Derby (Hybrid)

Up to 75k + Package


Overview


We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across rolling stock mechanical systems, supporting modifications, upgrades, new-build programmes, and consultancy projects within the rail industry. The role requires strong technical expertise, client engagement skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering activities in safety-critical environments.


Key Responsibilities


Technical Leadership


  • Act as Technical Authority for systems including bogies/running gear, couplers, doors, interiors, HVAC, brakes, structures, and wheelsets.
  • Develop and approve engineering strategies, calculations, analyses, and technical documentation.
  • Lead modifications, retrofits, upgrades, and testing activities for new and legacy fleets.
  • Oversee validation activities including type tests, installation checks, and static/dynamic trials.


Project Delivery & Governance


  • Deliver engineering work to agreed time, cost, and quality targets.
  • Support bidding and estimating activities, producing accurate and competitive proposals.
  • Prepare technical reports, design reviews, safety cases, and assurance documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations including EN/BS, RIS/GMRT, and TSIs.


Client & Commercial Engagement


  • Support consultancy proposals and bid submissions.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
  • Represent the business at technical meetings and industry forums.
  • Identify innovative solutions aligned to client needs.


Leadership & Continuous Improvement


  • Mentor and support junior engineers.
  • Review and approve technical work.
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and quality standards.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practice.


Essential Skills & Experience


  • 10+ years’ experience in Rolling Stock Engineering.
  • Degree-qualified in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.
  • Proven experience delivering projects in safety-critical environments.
  • Strong technical report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting bids.


Desirable Skills


  • Experience with UK rolling stock modifications and upgrades.
  • Knowledge of RAMS, FMEA, FTA, HAZOP, and safety assurance processes.
  • Familiarity with TSIs, RIS/GMRT, ORR interfaces, and approval processes.
  • Experience reviewing CAD/PLM and CAE outputs (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS).
  • Understanding of reliability, maintainability, and whole-life cost principles.
  • Commercial awareness and leadership experience.

”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-21”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GTS Group Ltd”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__438878225__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=243” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Derby” } } }
Company: GTS Group Ltd
Apply for the Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location: Derby
Job Description:

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Rolling Stock

Derby (Hybrid)

Up to 75k + Package

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across rolling stock mechanical systems, supporting modifications, upgrades, new-build programmes, and consultancy projects within the rail industry. The role requires strong technical expertise, client engagement skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering activities in safety-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Act as Technical Authority for systems including bogies/running gear, couplers, doors, interiors, HVAC, brakes, structures, and wheelsets.
  • Develop and approve engineering strategies, calculations, analyses, and technical documentation.
  • Lead modifications, retrofits, upgrades, and testing activities for new and legacy fleets.
  • Oversee validation activities including type tests, installation checks, and static/dynamic trials.

Project Delivery & Governance

  • Deliver engineering work to agreed time, cost, and quality targets.
  • Support bidding and estimating activities, producing accurate and competitive proposals.
  • Prepare technical reports, design reviews, safety cases, and assurance documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations including EN/BS, RIS/GMRT, and TSIs.

Client & Commercial Engagement

  • Support consultancy proposals and bid submissions.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
  • Represent the business at technical meetings and industry forums.
  • Identify innovative solutions aligned to client needs.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

  • Mentor and support junior engineers.
  • Review and approve technical work.
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and quality standards.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practice.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years’ experience in Rolling Stock Engineering.
  • Degree-qualified in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.
  • Proven experience delivering projects in safety-critical environments.
  • Strong technical report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting bids.

Desirable Skills

  • Experience with UK rolling stock modifications and upgrades.
  • Knowledge of RAMS, FMEA, FTA, HAZOP, and safety assurance processes.
  • Familiarity with TSIs, RIS/GMRT, ORR interfaces, and approval processes.
  • Experience reviewing CAD/PLM and CAE outputs (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS).
  • Understanding of reliability, maintainability, and whole-life cost principles.
  • Commercial awareness and leadership experience.

Posted: May 21st, 2026