At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical designs and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Join Taylor Hobson, a pioneer in ultra-high-precision engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology and mentor future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Taylor Hobson is seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a leading role within our world‑class Research & Development team.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of ultra‑high‑precision engineering, developing innovative technologies that operate at nanometre‑level accuracy.
In this role, you will take ownership of complex mechanical designs from concept through to production, solve challenging engineering problems, and provide leadership to small, highly skilled teams.
You will have real influence over product direction, technical standards, and the way new technologies are brought to market.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of robust concept and detailed design solutions
- Investigate, analyse, and resolve complex mechanical design issues
- Lead and actively participate in design reviews
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and contractors
- Deliver projects to agreed schedule and cost targets
- Ensure designs meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
Requirements for Consideration
- Proven ability to work within and lead cross‑functional, matrix‑based teams, including developing, mentoring, and appraising staff
- Demonstrated experience leading small teams (typically 3–5 engineers) to deliver opto‑electro‑mechanical solutions to time and budget
- Strong analytical capability combined with practical problem‑solving skills and a high level of attention to detail
- Ability to rapidly conceive, visualise, and engineer complex mechanical systems
- Sound understanding of systems engineering principles, including drives and control systems
- Ability to recognise when external specialist support is required or when an alternative technical approach is needed
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage both internally and with customers
- Proficient in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), including stiffness and vibration analysis
Experience and Qualifications
- Degree‑ or Master’s‑level qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior or principal mechanical engineering role delivering products through the full development lifecycle
- Proven experience leading and mentoring small design teams
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of manufacturing engineering, materials, processes, and quality systems
- Proficiency in at least one major CAD system (Solid Works, NX, CATIA, or Pro-Engineer) and associated PDM systems
- Working knowledge of drives and control systems
- Competent user of MS Office (or equivalent)
- Some experience using mathematical or analytical tools such as MATLAB or Mathematica
- A fundamental passion for engineering and technology
*Experience in precision engineering is desirable but not essential.
What Taylor Hobson offers you
- A multi-disciplined environment with opportunities to learn with like-minded colleagues
- 1pm Friday finish
- Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas
- Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson
- Generous matched pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Option to join private health plan
- Enhanced maternity pay
- We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business
- Mentoring and guidance for accreditation
- Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about
- Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party
- Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.
- Employee referral scheme of £1000
- Cycle to work scheme
- An inclusive workforce
- Free onsite parking, electric charging points and easy access to the city centre.
Business Unit
- Established in 1886, Taylor Hobson is the world leader in surface and form metrology and developed the first Roundness and Surface Finish measuring instruments.
- We provide contact and non-contact measurement solutions for the most demanding applications on a global basis, with a worldwide infrastructure to support our clients; we are a truly global ultra-precision metrology company.
- We are pioneers, continually developing our products to meet the ever-increasing demands of next generation technologies, particularly in Optics, Bearings, Space, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy technologies.
- Taylor Hobson's world leading brands include: Talyrond®, Form Talysurf® PGI, Form Talysurf® i-Series, Surtronic®, LUPHOScan, Formalysurf® PGI Optics, Talyvel®, Autocollimators, Micro-Alignment Telescope and AMECare.
- Taylor Hobson is part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. which is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
• Website
www. taylor-hobson. com
Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: AMETEK
AMETEK is an excellent employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly in our new Towcester facility. We offer competitive benefits, a commitment to employee growth through continuous training, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects that drive quality improvements across our operations. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like AMETEK.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like AMETEK love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of AMETEK and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for AMETEK and the Principal Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMETEK
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at AMETEK.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at AMETEK.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with AMETEK, making you a more appealing candidate.
