Principal Mechanical Engineer

Energy Jobline ZR; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in aerospace and defense is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to transform conceptual designs into engineered solutions. You'll work on advanced technologies for defense systems, ensuring compliance with technical standards. Ideal candidates will have a technical degree and significant aerospace experience, especially in electronics packaging. This position offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package including mental health support and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Up to 12 additional flexi-days per year

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for employees

Free access to online courses

Flexible benefits including private healthcare

Hybrid work options

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in aerospace.
• Familiarity with GD&T and BS8888 standards.
• Understanding of industry trends and new tools/technologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design using 3D CAD.
• Manage innovative engineering solutions against requirements.
• Provide technical direction and leadership on projects.

Skills

Aerospace experience in electronics packaging

Problem solving and concurrent engineering

Mechanical engineering detailed design

Material selection and manufacturing techniques

High competence in CAD tools (preferably Creo)

Business awareness balancing cost, quality, and schedule

Education

Technical or science degree or equivalent

Chartered Engineer registration with IMechE / RAeS / IED / IET

Tools

Creo

ERP systems (Teamcenter Unified, SAP)

Job description

Overview

Job Description: At Leonardo UK, we are at the forefront of Electronic Warfare innovation, developing world-class defensive systems for air, land, and sea. Our Mechanical Design team brings advanced technologies to life. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will transform conceptual designs into fully engineered solutions, guiding them through the Mechanical Engineering Product Hardware Development Process. You will collaborate with subject matter experts in pressure, thermal, stress, and environmental analysis to ensure compliance with technical and regulatory standards. Our designs support products including GCAP, BriteCloud, Praetorian EFA and other Electronic Warfare systems. From concept through design reviews, your input will help ensure design integrity and project success.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design and development using 3D CAD with a hands-on approach.
• Manage and deliver innovative, optimised engineering solutions against requirements, within budget and timescales.
• Provide leadership and technical direction on programmes to ensure delivery of mechanical engineering solutions.
• Formulate prototype designs and produce physical representations.
• Provide support to technical problem investigations and deliver effective solutions.
• Chair, support and facilitate reviews and sign-off of mechanical designs in accordance with standards.
• Contribute to continual improvement in product manufacturability through collaboration with other engineering functions.
• Preliminary (sizing) structural analyses (hand calculations and Creo Simulate).
• Support visits and meetings at UK sites and with suppliers when required.

What you'll bring

• Technical or science degree, or equivalent, with demonstrable aerospace experience in electronics packaging.
• Experience in problem solving and concurrent engineering practices with a structured, cross-functional approach.
• Experience in mechanical engineering detailed design, including GD&T, tolerances, engineering data packs to BS8888, and an MBD approach.
• Experience with material selection, machining and manufacturing techniques and DFx.
• Ability to lead teams and engage with customers to meet requirements (internal and external).
• High competence in CAD tools (preferably Creo).
• Understanding of ERP, PLM and PDM systems; Teamcenter Unified and SAP experience would be beneficial.
• Business awareness with ability to balance cost, quality and schedule.
• Awareness of Mechanical Engineering industry trends and new tools/technologies.
• Chartered Engineer registration with IMechE / RAeS / IED / IET or equivalent experience.

This is not an exhaustive list. We welcome applicants who may not have experience in all areas; the most important trait 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 security controls (Security Vetting) may apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

Leonardo offers a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package supporting wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and welcome applicants with accessibility needs during the recruitment process.

• Time to Recharge: Up to 12 additional flexi-days per year.
• Secure your Future: Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Mental health support, financial advice, and employee networks.
• Rewarding Performance: Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Financial referral reward.
• Tailored Perks: Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Flexible working: Hybrid options; part-time opportunities discussed on a case-by-case basis.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. We employ over 53,000 people worldwide, including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace, and we welcome accessibility needs during recruitment.

Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:
Hybrid