At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects for advanced defence systems.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering team focused on defence applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to mentor future engineers.
- Other info: UK Security Clearance needed; dynamic environment with strong team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while leading exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and extensive design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We currently require an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our skilled engineering team.
This is an exciting senior role with the opportunity to provide technical leadership in the design, development and delivery of advanced electro‑optical surveillance, tracking, fire control and positioning systems for defence applications across land and maritime domains.
Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical engineering activities from concept generation through to the design lifecycle.
- Drive innovation in precision mechanisms, servo systems, structural assemblies and sensor integration.
- Mentor engineers and establish best engineering practices.
- Engage with customers and provide technical governance.
- Produce and manage detailed engineering and assembly drawings for manufacturing.
- Perform classical engineering analysis (stress, fatigue, vibration) on designs.
- Oversee testing for verification and conformance of design outputs.
- Develop engineering reports to support product designs, failure investigations and customer requirements.
- Coordinate integration of electronic, control and drive systems into equipment designs.
- Lead prototype design formulation and justification.
- Support design reviews, sign off mechanical designs into production.
- Liaise with project managers, business managers and sales teams for project execution and quotation support.
- Contribute to continuous improvements in product development and manufacturing.
- Conduct peer reviews and provide engineering guidance.
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) – essential.
- Extensive experience designing complex mechanisms and structures for harsh, defence‑grade environments.
- Proven track record of managing the full design cycle from specification through production in a senior role.
- Proficiency with Solid Works CAD and 3D modelling tools.
- Strong analytical skills for performing engineering calculations and simulations (stress, fatigue, vibration).
- Knowledge of material selection, corrosion prevention, manufacturing processes, machining, fabrication and coatings.
- Experience with motion control, servo mechanisms, gear drives, bearings and motors.
- Ability to analyse loads and design solutions for mechanical components.
- Leadership and people‑management experience, including coaching, mentoring and team workload control.
- Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written – for interacting with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability in performance‑critical product development, quality assurance and risk assessment.
- Strong stakeholder‑management and customer‑relationship skills.
- Proven experience working in defence, R&D or high‑end custom manufacturing.
- Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our business, a UK Security Clearance is required.
Applicants will need to provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK and UK residency for at least five years.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Horsham
✨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 Chess Limited.
✨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 Chess Limited love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Chess Limited 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 Horsham
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 Chess Limited 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 Chess Limited
✨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 Chess Limited.
✨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 Chess Limited.
✨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 Chess Limited, making you a more appealing candidate.
