Principal Engineer

Jonathan Lee Recruitment; East Staffordshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Engineer for a prominent manufacturer in the off-highway machinery sector in East Staffordshire. The role involves leading innovative machine design and development, ensuring technical project delivery, and collaborating globally. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience, strong mechanical understanding, and proficiency in 3D CAD. This position offers a competitive package and significant benefits.

Benefits

Competitive package

Excellent pension

Private medical support

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a mechanical or off-highway vehicle environment.
• Background in construction or agricultural machinery is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design and technical reviews across multiple product areas.
• Define and develop new design concepts and specifications.
• Supervise project engineers and report progress to management.

Skills

Mechanical systems understanding

3D CAD expertise

Leadership and team influence

Project management

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX (Unigraphics)

Job description

Principal Engineer – Off-Highway Product Development

Staffordshire / East Midlands

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and driven Principal Engineer to join a world‑leading manufacturer in the off‑highway machinery sector, working on the next generation of innovative vehicles. This is a key technical leadership role, focused on shaping future product developments that will set new standards globally.

About the Role

You’ll play a pivotal part in leading the design and development of innovative new machines as part of an ambitious, multi‑year programme. Reporting to the Design Manager, you’ll work within a collaborative global engineering environment and take ownership for the technical delivery of projects from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design and technical reviews across multiple product areas.
• Define and develop new design concepts, specifications and design briefs.
• Ensure system design and machine integration meet business and customer requirements.
• Check and approve technical drawings to ensure engineering and quality standards are met.
• Oversee drawing release plans and manage resources across concurrent NPI projects.
• Supervise project engineers and coordinate timing plans, reporting progress to senior management.
• Work closely with global partners in design, manufacturing, service, and marketing functions.
• Occasional travel may be required.

About You

• Degree‑qualified Engineer with 5+ years’ experience in a relevant mechanical or off‑highway vehicle environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and engineering principles.
• Skilled in 3D CAD, ideally Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
• Confident leading design reviews, making informed technical decisions, and influencing cross‑functional teams.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and capable of driving projects through to delivery.
• Background in construction, agricultural, or off‑highway machinery is advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive package
• Generous benefits including excellent pension, private medical and professional development support
• The opportunity to influence global product strategy and innovation
• This is a rare chance to take a leading role in the design and development of cutting‑edge products that make a difference on sites around the world.

Apply now to be part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking engineering team driving innovation in the off‑highway machinery sector.