Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sapien Engineering; Farnham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Hybrid working

Job summary

Sapien is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Surrey-based team, leading the design of mechanical and electromechanical products from concept through production. You will own key projects, run design reviews, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and deliver cost-effective, manufacturable designs.

Ideal candidates will have a mechanical engineering degree, extensive experience in automotive/EV/HEV environments, strong CAD/FEA skills, and a proven

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical and electromechanical products from concept 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.

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical design

FEA

CAD & GD&T

R&D experience

Product lifecycle

EV/HEV experience

Automotive/motorsport safety-critical

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

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)