Principal Engineer

Coventry University; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Employers Pension Contribution

30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays

New Holiday Purchase Scheme

BUPA Cash Plan

Discounts across a range of retailers

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Principal Engineer to spearhead R&D projects related to Power Electronics and Drive Systems. The successful candidate will lead projects, manage funding applications, and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver impactful solutions. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position, offering a range of benefits including an excellent pension scheme and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in preparing and securing R&D funding applications.
• Experience in successfully delivering technical projects on time and to budget.
• Hands-on expertise in power inverter design and development.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead R&D projects in Power Electronics.
• Build relationships with industrial stakeholders and represent the Centre externally.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on innovative, industry-focused solutions.

Skills

R&D funding applications

Project delivery management

Communication and networking

Practical design of power inverters

PCB design and layout

EMI/EMC standards and compliance

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Principal Engineer role at Coventry University.

This range is provided by Coventry University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Role

The Centre for E-Mobility & Clean Growth (CECG) is seeking a Principal Engineer to play a leading role in shaping the future of Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD). This hands-on, industry-facing role is ideal for someone who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to collaborate, influence, and deliver measurable impact.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, supportive, and multidisciplinary team, working alongside academics, engineers, PhD researchers, and industry partners. The role goes beyond technical delivery: it will require the ability to shape and lead R&D projects, build strong relationships with industrial stakeholders, and represent the Centre at external events and conferences. Opportunities will also be available for national and international collaboration, contributing to Coventry’s growing global reputation in PEMD.

Our Successful Candidate

Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of:

• Preparing and securing R&D funding applications with a focus on practical, industry-relevant challenges
• Successfully delivering technical projects on time and to budget including the development of working prototypes and demonstrators
• Presenting at external events, conferences, and industry forums, demonstrating strong communication, networking, and influencing skills

In addition, the successful candidate will bring hands-on technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Practical design, build, and testing of power inverters
• PCB design and layout for power electronics
• EMI/EMC standards, compliance testing, and mitigation techniques
• Electrical machine design, characterisation, and testing

We are particularly interested in candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and industry-focused, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have access to a wide range of industry-leading rewards and benefits which include:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• BUPA Cash Plan
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Education and Research
• Industries: Research Services and Engineering Services