Contract | 6 Months+ | Inside IR35 | Very Competitive Day Rate
Hybrid – South West London
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design activities across complex defence engineering programmes.
This is a hands‑on technical leadership role, combining mechanical design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), thermal analysis/CFD and design approval. You’ll act as a mechanical engineering subject matter expert, ensuring designs meet technical requirements, defence standards and programme deadlines.
You’ll also provide technical leadership to the mechanical team, support hardware development and qualification, and work closely with customers, suppliers and manufacturers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical and electro‑mechanical design activities across one or more programmes.
- Conduct and review FEA and thermal/CFD analysis to validate and justify designs.
- Approve mechanical designs, acting as Design Authority when required.
- Resolve mechanical engineering issues throughout design, manufacture, integration, testing and qualification.
- Produce, review and approve technical documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Ensure compliance with applicable defence standards, engineering processes and configuration management requirements.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to mechanical engineers.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers, manufacturers and test houses.
- Manage design risks, technical queries, requirements and engineering changes.
- Extensive experience in mechanical design engineering, ideally within a complex engineering or defence environment.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with CAD tools, ideally Creo or similar.
- Understanding of relevant defence standards and engineering processes.
- Ability to work independently, lead technical activities and manage competing priorities.
- Current SC security clearance or eligibility to obtain it.
- Naval defence programmes, particularly Platform Management Systems (PMS) for surface or submarine platforms.
- Experience with shock, vibration, EMC and climatic testing.
- Experience supporting hardware development, integration and qualification.
If you’re an experienced mechanical engineering professional looking for a technically challenging contract with real ownership of design decisions, we’d like to hear from you.
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Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Addition+
Addition is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the heart of London, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Joining Addition means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the cyber security landscape.
