Principal Design Engineer

MAHLE; Northampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering company in Northampton is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead design activities and support complex powertrain projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in powertrain design, excellent leadership skills, and experience with 3D CAD tools. This role involves mentoring engineers and ensuring project success in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Ongoing personal & career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in powertrain design, ideally within an OEM or engineering consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of base engine architecture and manufacturing processes.
• Competence in 3D CAD and familiarity with analysis and validation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis activities for powertrain components and assemblies.
• Coordinate technical delivery within assigned projects.
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and mentoring to design engineers.

Skills

Powertrain design

3D CAD (CATIA or NX)

Technical coordination

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline

Postgraduate qualification or Chartered status

Tools

3D CAD (CATIA or NX)

Job description

Your Contribution

As a Principal Design Engineer at MAHLE Powertrain UK, you will play a key senior role within the engineering team, leading technical design activities and supporting the delivery of complex powertrain projects. Working closely with the Senior Principal and Head of Design, you’ll take ownership of design work packages, provide guidance to engineers, and ensure the successful execution of projects to technical, cost, and timing targets.

• Lead design and analysis activities for powertrain components, sub-systems, and assemblies, from concept through to release.
• Coordinate technical delivery within assigned projects, ensuring quality, timing, and budget objectives are met.
• Support the preparation of engineering programme quotations and contribute to resource and project planning.
• Generate, evaluate, and develop innovative design solutions using sound engineering judgement and industry best practices.
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and mentoring to design engineers, supporting their development and ensuring consistency of output.
• Liaise with suppliers, customers, and internal departments to resolve technical queries and ensure effective communication.
• Participate in design reviews, presenting concepts, analysis results, and recommendations to senior engineers and project stakeholders.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of departmental design processes and standards.
• Contribute to the technical capability of the design team through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Your Experience and Qualifications

We are looking for an experienced and highly capable engineer with a strong background in powertrain design who enjoys leading technical work and supporting others to deliver exceptional results.

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related Engineering discipline; postgraduate qualification or Chartered status desirable.
• Significant experience in powertrain design, ideally within an OEM or engineering consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of base engine architecture, component design, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to coordinate technical activities, guide less experienced engineers, and manage design work packages.
• Competence in 3D CAD (CATIA or NX preferred) and familiarity with analysis and validation tools.
• Strong communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills with an analytical and methodical approach.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple technical priorities.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites or MAHLE locations, both in the UK and internationally.

Our Offering

We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

After receiving your online application, the interview process will typically be, a screening call followed by Personal Interview(s)

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Steve Fitzpatrick [e-mail]