Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international defence contractor is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer based in Bristol. This role involves leading mechanical design efforts for vehicle systems and contributing to high-profile defence projects. Required qualifications include significant design experience and proficiency in 3D CAD tools like Creo or SolidWorks. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a matched pension scheme and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Holiday trading options

'Be Kind Day' for volunteering

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in mechanical design within defence, automotive, or aerospace sectors.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of vehicle systems and components.
• Produce and review detailed 3D CAD models and engineering documentation.
• Conduct design reviews, tolerance studies, and calculations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for manufacturability.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Understanding of materials and manufacturing

3D CAD proficiency

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Compensation: From £59,000 negotiable depending on experience + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

The Role

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer at our Bristol or Plymouth site. As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will support our work on the Patria 6×6 armoured personnel carrier vehicle programme, following our agreement to be Patria’s UK build partner.

This is a high-profile opportunity to join a major defence programme, contributing to the delivery of a proven, NATO-backed platform for the British Army. This is a unique opportunity to lead innovative engineering projects that directly contribute to national security and global safety. You’ll shape the future of mechanical design, working on complex systems from concept through to production, while growing your career in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.

Day-to-day you’ll be:

• Leading the mechanical design of vehicle systems, subsystems, and components
• Producing and reviewing detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation
• Conducting design reviews, tolerance studies, and engineering calculations
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and manufacturability
• Supporting prototype builds, testing, and validation activities

Essential Experience

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in mechanical design within the defence, automotive, or aerospace sectors and a strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical analysis techniques.

• Extensive experience in mechanical design within the defence, automotive, or aerospace sectors
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical analysis techniques

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA) and PLM systems

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

What We Offer

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International is a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Babcock International is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.