Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Aerospace & Defence | Up to £55,000 | Surrey

I'm currently partnered with a leading innovator in electromechanical actuation systems who are looking to bring a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer into their R&D and Engineering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in actuator or electromechanical system design to play a pivotal role in high-impact technical projects across the Aerospace, Defence, and Oil & Gas sectors.

Location: Surrey

Salary: Up to £55,000

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Work Model: On-site

Flexibility: Early Friday finishes & flexitime options

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading and managing strategic product development projects across R&D and engineering
• Providing technical direction and mentoring for junior team members
• Coordinating internal and external stakeholders to deliver on technical objectives
• Approving and overseeing designs, drawings, and documentation using 3D CAD (preferably PTC Creo)
• Taking part in design reviews, qualification testing, and liaising with certification authorities
• Driving continuous improvement across tools, processes, and technical documentation

️ What We’re Looking For:

• Extensive experience in mechanical design of electromechanical assemblies, actuators, or motion systems
• Strong understanding of engineering principles including tolerance, materials, and mechanical/electrical system integration
• Proficient in 3D CAD (PTC Creo experience highly desirable)
• Skilled in reading and creating technical drawings (BS8888, GD&T)
• Familiarity with aerospace product lifecycle, from concept through to certification and qualification
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams

Desirable Extras:

• Background in aerospace or defence engineering
• Understanding of DO-160 and similar aerospace standards
• Knowledge of gear and actuator design
• Hands-on experience with certification and regulatory compliance processes

Why This Role?

• 24 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexitime & early Friday finish (1PM)
• Health care cash plan & employee assistance programme
• Enhanced pension & life assurance
• On-site parking & casual dress code
• A highly technical, supportive environment where innovation thrives

If you’re a senior or principal-level Mechanical Design Engineer looking to apply your expertise in a forward-thinking and high-performance setting, I’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch directly to find out more.