At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects and provide expert support from design to diagnostics.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence, aerospace, and security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000, flexible hybrid working, and tailored rewards for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for career growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology-led solutions that shape a safer future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience in product design lifecycle.
hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
The main duty of this role is to provide expert Mechanical Engineering support for the design and development of new innovative designs through to fault finding, diagnostics and salvage of existing products.
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will have the ability to lead innovation and provide technical direction to other Engineers/Technicians to develop ideas into a detailed scheme supported by calculations and reports to demonstrate compliance with requirements, which will include support to risk reduction and qualification testing as required. The expectation of a Principal Mechanical Engineer is to provide a high quality service to customers, on time and within budget with minimum management oversight, and be able to present the design detail directly to our high profile customers.
- Using product knowledge and advanced engineering understanding, generate design concepts and solutions from first principles to meet project and customer requirements.
- Prepare and present concise Mechanical Development Plans, Design Scheme Data Packs and other engineering detail for internal review and in a customer forum.
- Taking a Design Authority role in checking and approving datasets (drawings/MBD) to ensure they are correct to required standards, that they reflect design intent correctly, and that they adequately define parts for manufacture and inspection.
- Work collaboratively across all engineering disciplines, liaising with technical specialists as required, and supporting Team Leads, Projects and Mechanical Functional Managers in preparing estimates for future design activities.
- Complete Design Authority level checks on the work of other mechanical engineers, which will include designs, design data, hand calculations and technical reports.
- Understand and provide governance on the adherence of Engineers and Technicians to departmental and company policies and procedures.
- It may be required to travel and represent the company, providing presentations, carrying out product installation surveys etc.
Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of other qualifications and experience.
Comprehensive experience of the full product design lifecycle, from concept through to production, within an engineering environment.
Competence in the use of CAD tools to prepare design models, along with proficiency in the CREO CAD system and experience of Teamcenter, DOORS and JIRA, would be advantageous.
Experience in leading a mechanical, or cross-discipline, design team.
The team provides engineering support to the wider Service organisation, working closely with Hardware and Systems Engineering teams. The Mechanical Team comprises seven engineers ranging from Apprentice to Principal level. Our role focuses on keeping aircraft flying by resolving obsolescence issues, carrying out redesign and modification work, and developing repair solutions. This long-term support is critical to maintaining customer capability, meeting airworthiness requirements, and ensuring continued operational availability.
You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Hybrid Working) in Medway employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness, where you can contribute to pioneering defence and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture of inclusivity, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while being recognised for your contributions. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tailored rewards and relocation support, all within a supportive community that values diversity and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer (Hybrid Working) in Medway
✨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 BAE Critical Skills.
✨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 BAE Critical Skills love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of BAE Critical Skills 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 (Hybrid Working) in Medway
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 BAE Critical Skills and the Principal Mechanical Engineer (Hybrid Working) 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 BAE Critical Skills
✨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 BAE Critical Skills.
✨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 BAE Critical Skills.
✨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 BAE Critical Skills, making you a more appealing candidate.
