Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

As Principal Mechanical Engineer you will provide senior technical leadership and engineering expertise across mechanical design, development, and support activities. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring mechanical engineering solutions meet performance, safety, quality, and compliance requirements. The Principal Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in mentoring engineers, resolving complex technical issues, and supporting manufacturing, service, and aftermarket operations.
Principal Mechanical Engineer Role:
* Lead the development, review, and approval of mechanical designs, calculations, and technical documentation.
* Provide expert technical guidance on complex mechanical engineering issues across projects and operational activities.
* Ensure designs comply with applicable standards, regulations, and customer specifications.
* Support manufacturing and operations with engineering input related to build, assembly, testing, and non-conformance resolution.
* Contribute to design for manufacture, assembly, reliability, and maintainability initiatives.
* Lead technical reviews, root cause analyses, and failure investigations as required.
* Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical capability and best practices.
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including electrical engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and service.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives in engineering processes, tools, and standards.
* Provide technical input into proposals, tenders, and contract reviews when required.
* Assist the Engineering Manager in resource planning, project scheduling, and technical risk management.
* Relationships: Divisional and Functional Heads. Company Manager’s UK. Customers, Supplier/Joint Ventures/Associates. Inter-company departments including HR, Finance and Divisional personnel.
Principal Mechanical Engineer Requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, complemented by a postgraduate qualification.
* Chartered Professional Engineer (or working toward chartership).
* Demonstrable experience in mechanical engineering roles within heavy industry, transportation, or locomotive environments.
* Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, materials, stress analysis, and manufacturing processes.
* Proven ability to lead technical work and influence engineering outcomes without direct line authority.
* Experience with relevant engineering design tools and analysis software.
* Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Technical leadership and sound engineering judgment.
* Attention to detail with a strong focus on safety, quality, and compliance.
* Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
* Commitment to mentoring and developing engineering talent.
Principal Mechanical Engineer Benefits:
* Very flexible start/finish times and lunchtime finish on a Friday
* Personal Development: Management courses.
* Potential Career Progression: Engineering Manager.
* Death in Service
* Contributory Pension Scheme
* On-site parking
Principal Mechanical Engineer Applications:
**VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this role**
This vacancy is only available to Candidates with relevant experience as detailed in the job description. Due to volume of applications, we are unable to respond to applicants who do not possess the required skills and experience. Recent Graduates who do not have the required level of industry experience need not apply.
Candidates must be authorised to work in the country where this role is located BEFORE making an application