Principal Mechanical Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Aerospace and Defence company in the UK is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer. The role involves mechanical design using CAD software, collaboration with experts, and leadership in engineering solutions. Candidates should have a technical degree and experience in mechanical engineering. Flexible working options available along with a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension scheme with 15% employer contribution

Mental health support

Flexible working hours

Online learning access

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical engineering detailed design.
• Ability to lead teams and fulfill customer requirements.
• Understanding of material selection and manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design and development using 3D CAD software.
• Provide leadership and technical direction on business programmes.
• Support critical technical problem investigations.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD software

Problem solving

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Technical or science degree

Chartered Engineer registration

Tools

Creo

Teamcenter Unified

SAP

Job description

Your impact

At Leonardo UK, we are proud to be at the forefront of Electronic Warfare innovation—developing world-class defensive systems that protect people and platforms across air, land, and sea. Within this cutting-edge environment, our Mechanical Design team plays a crucial role in bringing advanced technologies to life. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for transforming conceptual designs—based on defined requirements—into fully engineered solutions, guiding them through the Mechanical Engineering Product Hardware Development Process. This role involves close collaboration with subject matter experts in pressure, thermal, stress, and environmental analysis to ensure full compliance with technical and regulatory standards. Our designs support a range of products including GCAP, BriteCloud, Praetorian EFA and other Electronic Warfare systems.

From early concept through design reviews, your input will be critical to ensuring design integrity and project success.

Your typical responsibilities as a Principal Mechanical Engineer will include:

• Performing mechanical design and development using 3D CAD software with a “hands on” approach.
• Managing and delivering innovative, optimised engineering solutions against requirements, within budget and timescales.
• Providing leadership and technical direction on business programmes to ensure delivery of mechanical engineering solutions.
• Formulating prototype designs and producing physical representations.
• Providing key support to critical technical problem investigations and delivering effective solutions.
• Chairing, supporting and facilitating reviews and sign off release of mechanical designs in accordance with business and industry standards.
• Contributing towards continual improvement in product manufacturability through effective relationship building and design guidance/liaison with other engineering functions.
• Preliminary (sizing) structural analyses (hand calculations and Creo Simulate).
• Supporting visits and meetings at UK sites and suppliers when required.

What you’ll bring

• Technical or science degree, or equivalent, with demonstrable aerospace related experience in the packaging of electronics.
• Experience in problem solving and concurrent engineering practices – structured, logical approach to investigate issues and solve problems in an effective cross-functional manner.
• Experience in mechanical engineering detailed design - first-hand experience of engineering design, analysis, tolerance studies (including GD&T) and generation of technical documentation (including an MBD approach) and data packs to relevant standards including BS8888.
• Experience and understanding of material selection, machining and manufacturing techniques and employment of them to achieve optimal DFx approaches.

• Ability to lead teams and engage with the customer – demonstrating the ability of fulfilling customer and regulatory requirements (internal and external).

• High level of competence in the use of CAD tools (preferably Creo).
• Understanding of ERP, PLM and PDM systems (Teamcenter Unified and SAP experience would be beneficial).

• Business awareness - understanding of fundamental business principles, drivers and key customers with the ability to make effective trade-offs – cost, quality and schedule.

• Awareness of Mechanical Engineering industry trends - knowledge of new and advancing tools, techniques and technologies.
• Chartered Engineer registration with a recognised organisation IMechE / RAeS / IED / IET or the equivalent thereof in experience.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit the Careers section of Leonardo’s UK careers site.

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid