Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

AtkinsRéalis; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Flexible holiday allowances

Employee rewards

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol to lead a variety of mechanical design projects across aerospace and safety-critical sectors. You will be responsible for ensuring timely engineering outputs and providing technical leadership throughout the design lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering, industry experience in aerospace design, and a strong command of mechanical design processes. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design capability from concept to detailed design, including GD&T.
• Experience leading delivery and mentoring engineers.
• Knowledge of relevant standards and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assure mechanical design solutions across aerospace projects.
• Deliver engineering outputs on time and within quality requirements.
• Engage clients and present solutions at formal design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical design capability

Aerospace design experience

Technical communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in our Advanced Engineering Delivery and Consultancy practice, you will lead a wide variety of projects, from niche consultancy to large, high‑profile programmes, tackling challenges such as aircraft electrification and defence equipment design.

Your role

• Lead and assure mechanical design solutions across aerospace and safety‑critical projects.
• Deliver engineering outputs on time, within cost and quality requirements.
• Provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams across the design lifecycle.
• Assure quality through effective review, checking, and QA processes.
• Engage clients and present solutions at formal design reviews.
• Support integration of designs within complex, regulated systems.
• Work flexibly across AtkinsRéalis and client environments.

About You

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering; Chartered or working towards.
• Strong mechanical design capability from concept to detailed design, including GD&T.
• Aerospace design experience within a regulated environment (e.g. AS9100).
• Knowledge of relevant standards and certification/approval processes.
• Clear technical communication and documentation skills.
• Experience leading delivery, mentoring engineers, and engaging clients.
• Commercial awareness and stakeholder management capability.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on design.

Rewards & benefits

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits you can tailor to suit your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Also benefit from our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment are dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong. We offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups. As an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Disability Confident Leader, we welcome applications from all backgrounds.