Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for Defence Systems

Matchtech; Hereford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech in Hereford seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead electro-mechanical design for defence applications, overseeing full design from concept to prototyping and release. The role collaborates across electrical, avionics, and propulsion teams to deliver rugged, field-ready solutions.

The candidate will manage engineers, maintain regulatory compliance, and guide design decisions for volume manufacture in a fast-moving defence environment.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Bachelor's or equivalent).
• Experience leading and managing engineers in a new product development environment.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering and design within a related industry.
• Experience designing for volume manufacture and assembly (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, additive manufacturing or composites).
• Skilled in kinematic analysis, structural analysis, and finite element methods (FEA).
• Experience releasing engineering drawings compliant with BS8888 standards.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting to stakeholders, engineers, and project managers.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, demonstrating resilience and adaptive problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of complex electro-mechanical mechanisms across varied projects and technologies.
• Guide and motivate a team of mechanical design engineers with governance and best practices.
• Own full design process from concept and CAD to tolerance analysis and material selection.
• Conduct structural and kinematic calculations along with preliminary FEA.
• Oversee mechanical engineering to ensure regulatory compliance and stakeholder requirements.
• Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, and propulsion teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and support professional development.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

Job description

Matchtech in Hereford seeks a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead electro-mechanical design for defence applications, overseeing full design from concept to prototyping and release. The role collaborates across electrical, avionics, and propulsion teams to deliver rugged, field-ready solutions.

The candidate will manage engineers, maintain regulatory compliance, and guide design decisions for volume manufacture in a fast-moving defence environment.