Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Addlestone; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative UK-based manufacturer seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead their dynamic design team. This high-profile role offers the chance to oversee complex projects from concept to production, ensuring alignment with safety and quality standards. You'll foster a culture of innovation while collaborating across departments to drive continuous improvement. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a genuine impact in scientific testing technology, this is the opportunity for you!

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Strong background in leading and mentoring engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical design engineers in innovative projects.
• Design and develop automated scientific instruments.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Leadership

SolidWorks

Electro-mechanical Systems

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline)

Tools

CNC Machining

3D Printing

Sheet Metalwork

Welding

Moulding

Job description

Job Description

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Scientific Instrumentation

Our client is a pioneering UK-based manufacturer specialising in the design and development of advanced scientific testing equipment.

With applications across both conventional and renewable energy industries they are now looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead their dynamic mechanical design team. This is a high-profile opportunity for a creative and technically excellent leader to take ownership of complex projects from concept through to production.

About the Role:

As Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will:

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Design and develop cutting-edge automated scientific instruments to meet market and customer requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of mechanical design, from concept through to production, ensuring alignment with safety directives, compliance standards (ASTM, IP, CEN & ISO), and quality frameworks (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
• Manage workflows and project timelines to ensure key priorities are delivered effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement through research and integration of emerging technologies and advanced testing techniques.
• Collaborate across departments—including production and supply chain—to ensure smooth prototype-to-production transitions.
• Take a hands-on approach in problem solving, product optimisation, and engineering reviews.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• A degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline) and comprehensive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience mentoring and developing engineering teams.
• A strong background in electro-mechanical systems and complex assemblies.
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes: CNC machining, sheet metalwork, moulding, welding, 3D printing, coatings, and more.
• Exceptional SolidWorks and IT skills.
• A hands-on approach to engineering with a natural enthusiasm for innovation and improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across the business.

This is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to make a genuine impact in a growing and respected organisation that invests in innovation and engineering talent. If you're ready to drive design excellence and shape the future of scientific testing technology, we want to hear from you.

Apply Now or contact us directly for a confidential conversation.

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