Principal Electronics Engineer

Chess Limited; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Horsham is seeking a Principal Electronics Engineer to lead electronics design within a team of 15 engineers. This role involves significant R&D developments and requires a strong degree in a related field alongside 10 years of relevant experience. Candidates should have deep circuit design expertise and the ability to lead multi-disciplined projects while communicating effectively with management and clients. Excellent development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%

Income protection scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Life assurance policy

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Health Cash Plan

Excellent learning & development opportunities

Great working environment with free onsite car parking

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in electronics engineering.
• Proven ability in leading and supervising projects or teams.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of electronics designs.

Responsibilities

• Lead headline projects while setting engineering standards.
• Communicate regularly with senior management, directors, and key customers.
• Provide line-management support for a small sub-team of engineers.

Skills

Circuit design expertise

Power management knowledge

Project leadership

Communication skills

Electronics design understanding

Education

Strong degree in related discipline accredited by the IET

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Altium

Cadence OrCAD

Job description

We currently require a Principal electronics engineer to help lead the electronics design within a team of 15 engineers, providing significant experience and insight to project development and act as a role model for less experienced engineers, engaging in substantial R&D developments and analytical research. The role is anticipated to be a dual Electrical/Electronic function with the following definitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an Electronics Engineer expert in circuit design, components, and PCB technology, covering EMC, Power Management, Servo Control, processor interfacing, and communications.
• Serve as an Electrical Engineer expert in power and signal transmission over wired media, reviewing overall architecture, power management, system wiring, and production processes.
• Lead headline projects, set engineering standards, and act as a subject‑matter expert.
• Communicate regularly with senior management, directors, and key customers; support the development of bids, proposals, and new business acquisition.
• Take technical leadership of multi‑disciplined projects, fostering a systematic approach and delivering solutions to customers.
• Provide line‑management support for a small sub‑team, overseeing development, training, and resource planning for engineers.

Qualifications

• Strong degree in a related discipline accredited by the IET; typically 10 years of relevant experience.
• Significant experience leading and supervising projects or people.
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of electronics designs.
• Ability to complete analysis‑based activities (circuit emulation, performance, or power budgets).
• Ability to highlight key project risks, schedules, mitigations and identify critical design activities.
• Overall awareness of the complete project lifecycle from bids through to ongoing customer support.
• Proven track record of innovation‑based approaches to all aspects of engineering/leadership.
• Capability to investigate and debug technical problems at PCB or system level, identify root cause or procedural reforms; likely to be a Chartered Engineer.
• Experience leading, managing, or mentoring engineers.
• Experience of EMC to military standards, with ability to manage, plan and resolve issues at an architecture and embedded level.
• Knowledge of motors and drive technology with ability to calculate motor performance.
• Awareness of control systems analysis and performance techniques, with ability to articulate these to fellow engineers/Stakeholders.
• Familiar with management tools such as JIRA, Confluence, MS Project.
• Practised in the use and management of PCB design tools such as Altium, Cadence OrCAD.
• Familiar with design resilience techniques such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis.
• Awareness of Lightning Direct and Indirect Effects.
• Familiar with the design of electronics within harsh environments typical with Military equipment.

Personal ಆತtributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; experience interacting with customers and colleagues at all levels.
• Highly organized and methodical with an eye for detail.
• Track record of demonstrating courage by tackling unique design challenges with diligence, endurance, and nerve.
• Integrity and a proven record of delivering on commitments.
• Willingness to travel to customer/supplier sites, including international travel.
• Resilient and adaptable approach.

Benefits

• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%.
• Income protection scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing access to remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations.
• Life assurance policy with bereavement counselling and probate helpline.
• Company shares incentive plan and save‑as‑you‑earn scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and mental health support for all employees; regular activities across sites to promote wellbeing.
• Regular sports and social activities.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health and wellbeing offerings).
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme.
• Excellent learning & development opportunities.
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all locations.

Security Clearance Requirements

• Due to the nature of our business, staff must obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. If successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and proof of UK residency for at least five years.