Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sapien Engineering; Farnham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday

Hybrid working

Job summary

Sapien Engineering invites a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a Surrey-based team developing advanced electric vehicle technology. You will lead mechanical and electromechanical product design from concept through production, owning major work packages and mentoring junior engineers.

You'll apply FEA, CAD, and GD&T standards, collaborate with electronics, software, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, and drive designs to manufacturability and cost‑efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in high volume automotive manufacturing.
• Experience taking products from concept to production.
• Strong background in mechanical/electromechanical design.
• Experience using FEA to support design decisions.
• CAD skills with engineering drawings and GD&T.
• R&D experience.
• Experience with EVs, hybrids or high‑performance electromechanical products.
• Background in automotive, motorsport, aerospace or safety‑critical sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical/electromechanical products from concept to production.
• Own key projects and major work packages.
• Lead design reviews and resolve engineering challenges.
• Identify risks and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with Electronics, Software, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain.
• Liaise with suppliers/customers to deliver manufacturable, cost‑effective designs.
• Support DFMEA, validation, design changes and production launches.
• Ensure designs meet standards and internal processes.
• Mentor and support junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical design

FEA

CAD

GD&T

R&D

Automotive experience

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Sapien is recruiting a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for an engineering company based in Surrey. This client develop advanced electric vehicle technology. Their products are helping improve vehicle performance and supporting the move towards more sustainable transport.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical products from concept through to production.
• Take technical ownership of key projects and major work packages.
• Lead design reviews and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Identify technical risks and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Work closely with Electronics, Software, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Liaise with suppliers and customers to deliver manufacturable, cost-effective designs.
• Support DFMEA, validation, design changes, and production launch activities.
• Ensure designs meet relevant engineering standards and internal processes.
• Mentor and support junior engineers.

Required Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience within high volume automotive manufacturing.
• Experience taking products through the full product lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Strong background in mechanical or electromechanical product design.
• Experience using FEA to support design decisions.
• Strong CAD skills, including engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Research & Development (R&D) experience.
• Experience with electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or high-performance electromechanical products.
• Background in automotive, motorsport, aerospace, defence, or another safety-critical industry.

What's on Offer

• 25 days' holiday, increasing to 28 days with service
• Hybrid working (one day a week from home)