Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Mechanical Engineering is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineers, with roles available across all areas of the Product Life Cycle, from mechanical future concepts and detailed design through qualification, production, and in-service support. In these roles of responsibility, you will lead the development of mechanical solutions for a wide variety of complex weapons and weapon systems, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.

You will be expected to provide technical leadership, drive design maturity, and act as a key interface with internal and external stakeholders.

Salary: Circa £50,000+ depending on experience

Location: Stevenage (relocation package may be available)

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: An average of 2–3 days per week on-site dependent on work classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)

• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%

• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime

• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements

• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments

• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…

• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The Opportunity:

The roles offer the chance to lead complex mechanical design work packages on critical defence products and influence design decisions across the full life cycle. You will play a key role in ensuring designs meet performance, safety, cost, and schedule requirements. The roles provide excellent long-term career progression opportunities within MBDA, including further technical leadership or engineering management pathways. Appointments will be made at an appropriate level based on skills and experience.

What we’re looking for from you:

• Ideally Degree, HND, or HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with significant industry experience

• Proven ability to lead mechanical design work packages within multi-disciplinary teams

• Strong experience across full product life cycles, from concept to in-service support

• In-depth knowledge of design proving and qualification activities

• Robust hands-on experience with design methodologies such as DFMEA, DFA, and DFM

• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and make technical decisions

• Experience engaging with and developing suppliers and external partners

• Ability to manage priorities, assess risk, and mentor less experienced engineers

• Understanding of structural, thermal, and/or dynamic analysis (advantageous)

• Relevant 3D CAD/CAE experience (training provided on company tools)

Note: This role may involve UK travel and occasional European travel.

Interested? Click Apply Now!

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

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