Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Derby, Derbyshire

Energy Jobline CVL; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global energy job board is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Derbyshire. The ideal candidate will lead mechanical design activities across full lifecycle projects and innovate sustainable propulsion solutions. Required qualifications include a Mechanical Engineering degree, expertise in mechanical design, and strong 3D CAD skills, particularly with Siemens NX.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing engine components or powertrain systems.
• Experience leading design reviews and mentoring engineers.
• Proficient in design calculations and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities across full lifecycle programmes.
• Design and integrate complex systems and components.
• Mentor engineers and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD proficiency

Engineering judgement

Familiarity with FEA/CFD tools

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Energy Jobline is the largest and fastest growing global Energy Job Board and Energy Hub. We have an audience reach of over 7 million energy professionals, 400,000+ monthly advertised global energy and engineering jobs, and work with the leading energy companies worldwide.

We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

Location: Derbyshire - Onsite (Visa Sponsorship not available)

About the Role

Are you a hands-on design leader with a passion for solving complex engineering challenges?

We’re seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Design Engineer and a Senior Design Engineer to take ownership of the design and delivery of advanced mechanical and engine subsystems — from early concept through to production and beyond.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead projects that span across diesel and hydrogen, propulsion technologies.

You’ll join a technically driven, collaborative team where engineering rigour meets real-world impact — and where your ideas, leadership, and design expertise will directly influence the future of clean and efficient propulsion.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and own mechanical design activities across full lifecycle programmes — from concept creation and analysis through validation and launch.
• Design, develop, and integrate complex systems and components, such as crankcases, cylinder heads, housings, valvetrain, lubrication, or cooling systems.
• Champion engineering excellence, applying first principles to solve challenging problems with creativity and precision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including analysis, test, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver optimised, production-ready solutions.
• Guide and mentor engineers, sharing your experience to develop capability and ensure technical quality across projects.
• Drive continuous improvement, embedding lessons learned into new technologies, tools, and processes.
• Influence design strategy for future propulsion systems and contribute to the evolution of sustainable power solutions.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) with a strong background in mechanical design and product development.
• Proven experience designing and delivering engine components, subsystems, or relevant powertrain systems across any of the following sectors: automotive, aerospace, off-highway, marine, or power.
• Strong 3D CAD capability (preferably Siemens NX) and a detailed understanding of GD&T, tolerance stacks, and design calculations (e.g., for bearings, bolted joints, camshaft, and belt drive systems).
• Knowledge of FEA, CFD, or thermal/structural analysis tools, and how simulation informs design optimisation.
• Experience leading design reviews, technical decisions, and mentoring engineers, with a proven record of delivery across the product lifecycle.
• A proactive approach to innovation, sustainability, and the application of sound engineering judgement.

Why Join

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking engineering environment that blends hands-on design with strategic influence.

• Work on technically challenging, cross-sector propulsion projects.
• Lead design activities that contribute to sustainable, high-performance technologies.
• Collaborate with a diverse network of engineers and innovators.
• Shape the next of propulsion and power systems.

If you’re ready to lead from the front — combining mechanical design excellence with systems‑level insight — this is the role where you can truly make your mark.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.