Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford

Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 65000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
CBSbutler

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge imaging technology for space exploration.
  • Company: Join a pioneering company at the forefront of space imaging.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work on exciting projects.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on precision engineering and technical excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on significant space missions with innovative technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in NPI processes required.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.

My client is seeking an an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their Mechanical Engineering team, supporting the development of cutting-edge imaging technology used on some of the world's most significant space exploration missions.

Working within our Space Imaging division, you'll play a key role in designing the mechanical systems that support advanced CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, front-end electronics and test equipment used in satellites, telescopes and planetary exploration programmes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the mechanical design and development of precision space imaging products from concept through to production using structured NPI processes.
  • Translate customer and project requirements into practical, manufacturable engineering solutions that meet performance, cost and schedule objectives.
  • Take ownership of all mechanical aspects throughout the project lifecycle, supporting technical reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
  • Produce and maintain detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, manufacturing drawings, design reports, analysis reports and test plans.
  • Design bespoke mechanical assemblies, fixtures, test equipment and transport packaging for highly sensitive imaging systems.
  • Work collaboratively with Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Project Managers and Lead Engineers to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Carry out engineering assessments, resolve technical issues and identify design risks early in the development process.
  • Apply Design for Manufacture (Df M) and Design for Assembly (Df A) principles to optimise quality, cost and production efficiency.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance to improve design performance and reliability.
  • What We’re Looking For
  • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Experience delivering products through structured New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
  • Strong 3D CAD skills, ideally using Creo.
  • Good understanding of structural, thermal and vibration design principles.
  • Experience interpreting FEA results to optimise mechanical designs.
  • Strong knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing techniques and precision mechanical assemblies.
  • Chartered Engineer (IMech E) status.
  • Experience within the Space or Aerospace sector.
  • Working knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD standards.
  • Experience performing FEA analysis.
  • Knowledge of PTC Windchill.
  • Ability to perform hand calculations for stress and thermal analysis.
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Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford employer: CBSbutler

At CBSbutler, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Larkhill, you will benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that values your contributions to driving efficiency and quality in manufacturing processes. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and growth.

CBSbutler

Contact Details:

CBSbutler Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford

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 CBSbutler.

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 CBSbutler love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of CBSbutler 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 in Chelmsford

Mechanical Design
New Product Introduction (NPI)
3D CAD (Creo)
Structural Design Principles
Thermal Design Principles
Vibration Design Principles
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

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 CBSbutler 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 CBSbutler

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 CBSbutler.

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 CBSbutler.

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 CBSbutler, making you a more appealing candidate.