Principal Mechanical Engineer

Callen-Lenz; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in UAS technology is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead multidisciplinary teams in Salisbury. The role involves solving complex design problems, mentoring staff, and driving continuous improvement. Competitive salary and extensive benefits are offered, including a generous leave policy and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Buy/Sell holiday policy

Pension via Royal London

Share Incentive Plan

Green Car Scheme

Life assurance (6x salary)

Income protection (75% salary)

Private health & dental insurance

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Experience with CAD and aerospace standards desirable.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead air vehicle design, integration, and testing activities.
• Mentor junior staff and manage requirements development.
• Champion safety and quality improvements.

Skills

Project ownership

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks or similar)

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Mechanical Engineer role at Callen-Lenz.

Vacancy Reference: CLA-340

Position: Full-time [Part-time]

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Salary Range: £60-65,000 per annum depending on relevant experience

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology. Having recently received investment, we are experiencing rapid growth and are looking for key roles to support this expansion. We offer innovative UAS solutions through our technical services, products, platforms, and operational services. Join us to be at the forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values:

• Teamwork
• Commitment
• Initiative
• Creativity
• Agility
• Integrity
• Enjoyment

Why Work for Us:

Based in rural Wiltshire near Salisbury, you'll join a friendly, multi-disciplinary team working on diverse projects, leading in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. We are passionate and looking for individuals to grow with us as we expand into aerospace.

Our benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Buy/Sell holiday policy
• Pension via Royal London
• Share Incentive Plan
• Green Car Scheme
• Life assurance (6x salary)
• Income protection (75% salary)
• Private health & dental insurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Professional membership reimbursement
• Volunteering day
• Financial advice access
• Training & development opportunities

About The Role:

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, reporting to a Team Leader, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to solve complex design and integration problems, taking ownership of capability development and continuous improvement activities within the department.

Your responsibilities include:

• Leading air vehicle design, integration, and testing activities
• Mentoring junior staff
• Managing requirements and solutions development
• Leading design reviews and maintaining configuration management
• Supporting manufacturing and supply chain activities
• Planning and executing testing activities
• Championing safety and quality improvements
• Supporting project resourcing and recruitment

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Science

Skills & Competencies:

Must possess project ownership, technical leadership, mentoring, problem-solving, experience with CAD (SolidWorks or similar), design for manufacture, and excellent communication skills. Experience in aerospace standards, systems engineering, and composite materials is desirable.

Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer. Candidates must have UK work permission. Security vetting and compliance with export restrictions are required.