Principal Mechanical Engineer

Thales; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defense and aerospace is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to design and develop advanced weapon systems. The role involves mentoring junior engineers, managing projects, and ensuring high-quality mechanical designs. Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and professional growth.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Health and well-being support

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design roles.
• Proficiency in CAD software and international standards.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed mechanical designs supported by CAE applications.
• Mentor and lead engineering teams in design reviews.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Education

BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Creo

Catia

Windchill

Ansys

SolidWorks Simulate

Job description

Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales develops solutions relied upon for operational advantage in defense and armed forces, covering land, sea, and air systems, including early warning, threat neutralization, and comprehensive battle-space protection.

We offer opportunities for career growth, learning, and development across aerospace, defense, security, and space industries. We prioritize health, well-being, and flexible working arrangements.

The Role

Seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer with a strong foundation in engineering principles, capable of applying knowledge to new and existing products within the IAS portfolio. The role involves collaborating with local teams and stakeholders to produce detailed mechanical designs for weapon systems, missiles, and platform products, while mentoring junior engineers and leading projects to ensure robust design output.

Responsibilities

• Leverage engineering fundamentals for complex technical decision-making
• Drive quality and performance improvements in design processes
• Create detailed mechanical designs supported by CAE applications
• Maintain product documentation according to department standards
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure robust product designs
• Manage engineering change processes and produce technical drawings in line with BS 8888
• Mentor and lead engineering teams, participate in design reviews, and lead mechanical work packages

Essential Criteria

• BSc or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design roles
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo and/or Catia), GD&T, BS 8888, Windchill
• Experience with design for manufacture, BOM management, and international standards
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills

Desirable Criteria

• Leadership experience, Six Sigma, APQP/DFMEA, DFMAT assessments, simulation software expertise (Ansys, Creo Simulate, SolidWorks Simulate)
• Knowledge of defense standards and mentoring skills

Candidate Profile

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field
• Significant hardware development experience, team-oriented, customer-focused, rigorous, and analytical

Life as a Thales Mechanical Engineer

Perform hardware activities, analyze mechanical needs, describe functions, develop data packages, collaborate with production, monitor progress, and justify design choices to meet cost and time targets.

Career Development

Opportunities to explore other domains, grow competencies, and advance into technical or leadership roles within an international company.

Thales complies with security and diversity policies, providing support for inclusive recruitment and necessary adjustments during the process.

Employment Details

• Full-time, Engineering and IT sector, Aerospace, Defense, and Space industries

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