Principal Mechanical Engineer

We currently require an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our skilled engineering team. This is an exciting senior role with the opportunity to provide technical leadership in the design, development and delivery of advanced electro‑optical surveillance, tracking, fire control and positioning systems for defence applications across land and maritime domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering activities from concept generation through to the design lifecycle.
• Drive innovation in precision mechanisms, servo systems, structural assemblies and sensor integration.
• Mentor engineers and establish best engineering practices.
• Engage with customers and provide technical governance.
• Produce and manage detailed engineering and assembly drawings for manufacturing.
• Perform classical engineering analysis (stress, fatigue, vibration) on designs.
• Oversee testing for verification and conformance of design outputs.
• Develop engineering reports to support product designs, failure investigations and customer requirements.
• Coordinate integration of electronic, control and drive systems into equipment designs.
• Lead prototype design formulation and justification.
• Support design reviews, sign off mechanical designs into production.
• Liaise with project managers, business managers and sales teams for project execution and quotation support.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in product development and manufacturing.
• Conduct peer reviews and provide engineering guidance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) – essential.
• Extensive experience designing complex mechanisms and structures for harsh, defence‑grade environments.
• Proven track record of managing the full design cycle from specification through production in a senior role.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD and 3D modelling tools.
• Strong analytical skills for performing engineering calculations and simulations (stress, fatigue, vibration).
• Knowledge of material selection, corrosion prevention, manufacturing processes, machining, fabrication and coatings.
• Experience with motion control, servo mechanisms, gear drives, bearings and motors.
• Ability to analyse loads and design solutions for mechanical components.
• Leadership and people‑management experience, including coaching, mentoring and team workload control.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written – for interacting with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in performance‑critical product development, quality assurance and risk assessment.
• Strong stakeholder‑management and customer‑relationship skills.
• Proven experience working in defence, R&D or high‑end custom manufacturing.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our business, a UK Security Clearance is required. Applicants will need to provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK and UK residency for at least five years.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…