Principal Engineer

Job Description

Principal Mechanical Design / Powertrain Systems Engineer

Derbyshire, UK Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 + Benefits (flexible salary)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Engineer to take a leading role in the design and development of base engine systems for a well-established engine manufacturing company based in Derbyshire, UK.

Note: you will work on diesel and hydrogen combustion engine technologies.

The role could suit a principal engineer with extensive engine component design experience or a principal engineer with a systems engineering background but with extensive ICE systems experience.

This is a principal / lead engineer position requiring strong technical knowledge, leadership capability, and a proven track record in systems-level design within the internal combustion engine (ICE) domain. The successful candidate will take ownership of major sub-systems within engine programmes and provide technical direction across multidisciplinary teams and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems-level design of internal combustion engine components and subsystems (diesel or gasoline), with full lifecycle ownership from concept through validation.
• Define technical specifications, lead DFMEA reviews, and coordinate design validation and verification activities.
• Act as the senior technical point of contact for suppliers delivering detailed component designs.
• Collaborate with in-house development, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Provide mentoring and technical leadership to less experienced engineers when required.

Required Skills & Experience

• A degree (or higher qualification) in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of post-graduate, industry-based experience in powertrain systems design, specifically in base engine systems.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for internal combustion engines across applications such as automotive, off-highway, rail, marine, or power .
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more of the following systems (e.g. Valvetrain design (DOHC / SOHC), Timing gear systems, Crankcase ventilation (CCV), Aftertreatment systems (e.g., DEF / SCR), Fuel systems, including hydrogen experience, Air handling systems (e.g., intake manifolds, throttle bodies)
• Ability to interpret and manipulate CAD data (prior use of tools such as Creo or CATIA is advantageous).
• Experience overseeing validation testing and collaborating with external suppliers on technical delivery.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, office-based role in Derbyshire, UK. Relocation and visa sponsorship can be considered for the right candidate. Commutable from: Rocester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Burton-on-Trent.