Principal Mechanical Engineer

CBSbutler; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CBSbutler is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join its Space Imaging division, supporting the development of imaging sensors and front-end electronics for satellites and telescopes. You will design mechanical systems for high-precision imaging hardware.

The role requires strong Creo CAD skills, NPI experience, FEA interpretation, ECSS/MIL-STD knowledge, and Chartered Engineer status. You will lead design reviews and produce detailed documentation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience delivering products through structured NPI processes.
• Strong 3D CAD skills, preferably Creo.
• Good understanding of structural, thermal and vibration design principles.
• Experience interpreting FEA results to optimise mechanical designs.
• Strong knowledge of engineering materials and precision assemblies.
• Chartered Engineer status (IMechE).
• Space or Aerospace sector experience.
• Working knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD standards.
• Experience performing FEA analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of precision space imaging products from concept through to production using structured NPI processes.
• Translate customer and project requirements into practical, manufacturable engineering solutions that meet performance, cost and schedule objectives.
• Take ownership of all mechanical aspects throughout the project lifecycle, supporting technical reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
• Produce and maintain detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, manufacturing drawings, design reports, analysis reports and test plans.
• Design bespoke mechanical assemblies, fixtures, test equipment and transport packaging for highly sensitive imaging systems.
• Work collaboratively with Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Project Managers and Lead Engineers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Carry out engineering assessments, resolve technical issues and identify design risks early in the development process.
• Apply Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles to optimise quality, cost and production efficiency.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to improve design performance and reliability.

Skills

NPI processes

Creo CAD

FEA interpretation

Structural design

Thermal design

Vibration design

Space/Aerospace

ECSS MIL-STD

FEA analyses

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (IMechE)

Tools

Windchill

Job description

My client is seeking an an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their Mechanical Engineering team, supporting the development of cutting-edge imaging technology used on some of the world's most significant space exploration missions.

Working within our Space Imaging division, you'll play a key role in designing the mechanical systems that support advanced CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, front-end electronics and test equipment used in satellites, telescopes and planetary exploration programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of precision space imaging products from concept through to production using structured NPI processes.
• Translate customer and project requirements into practical, manufacturable engineering solutions that meet performance, cost and schedule objectives.
• Take ownership of all mechanical aspects throughout the project lifecycle, supporting technical reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
• Produce and maintain detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, manufacturing drawings, design reports, analysis reports and test plans.
• Design bespoke mechanical assemblies, fixtures, test equipment and transport packaging for highly sensitive imaging systems.
• Work collaboratively with Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Project Managers and Lead Engineers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Carry out engineering assessments, resolve technical issues and identify design risks early in the development process.
• Apply Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles to optimise quality, cost and production efficiency.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to improve design performance and reliability.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering products through structured New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
• Strong 3D CAD skills, ideally using Creo.
• Good understanding of structural, thermal and vibration design principles.
• Experience interpreting FEA results to optimise mechanical designs.
• Strong knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing techniques and precision mechanical assemblies.
• Chartered Engineer (IMechE) status.
• Experience within the Space or Aerospace sector.
• Working knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD standards.
• Experience performing FEA analysis.
• Knowledge of PTC Windchill.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for stress and thermal analysis.