Principal Design Engineer

Sapien Engineering Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities for travel across the UK and Europe

Job summary

A leading engineering organisation in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Design Engineer to lead the full design lifecycle for advanced turbomachinery. In this senior-level role, you will manage complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure designs meet high-performance standards. The ideal candidate has over 18 years of experience in turbomachinery design, strong CAD skills, and a track record of engaging directly with customers. Competitive salary and opportunities for travel are offered.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of relevant experience, ideally in turbomachinery design.
• Strong CAD skills, NX proficiency advantageous.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.
• Experience engaging directly with customers to define and deliver engineering requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the full design process from initial concept through to production.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Ensure designs meet all technical, customer, and manufacturing requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and customers to resolve design and engineering issues.

Skills

Relevant engineering degree

18+ years’ experience in turbomachinery design

Strong CAD skills

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage projects

Experience in customer engagement

Education

Degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or related Engineering

Tools

NX CAD software

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Design Engineer to join a leading engineering organisation specialising in advanced turbomachinery design. The successful candidate will lead the full design lifecycle — from concept through to production — ensuring that complex, high-performance designs meet all customer, manufacturing, and technical requirements.

This is a senior-level position offering the opportunity to work on challenging projects while guiding and mentoring a team of talented designers.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the full design process from initial concept through to production.
• Create, update, and maintain turbomachinery designs.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ensure designs meet all technical, customer, and manufacturing requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and customers to resolve design and engineering issues.

Skills Required

• Degree (or equivalent) in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.
• 18+ years’ relevant experience, ideally in turbomachinery design.
• Strong CAD skills (NX proficiency advantageous).
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.
• Experience engaging directly with customers to define and deliver engineering requirements.

Compensation & Other Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunities for travel across the UK and Europe.

Apply within or contact Levi Goodridge at Sapien Engineering.

Please note that our clients are unable to offer sponsorship for employment visas. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful.