At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented mechanical engineering team on innovative projects and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
- Company: Join Sentec, a Xylem brand, known for its collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and excellent career growth in a dynamic consultancy environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mechanical engineering while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mechanical engineering, strong leadership skills, and hands-on problem-solving experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Sentec, a Xylem brand, seeks to hire a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead our talented mechanical engineering skill group. As Principal, you will lead a mechanical engineering team on high-value, technically challenging projects, internal to Xylem and external clients. You will own mechanical architecture and key technical decisions and act as subject-matter expert in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing.
You will deliver innovative mechanical solutions from early concept through detailed design and industrialisation and validation testing. You will work directly with Xylem partners and external clients to understand requirements and translate them into robust engineering solutions, contribute to project planning, technical reporting and support proposal writing, technical scoping, and effort estimation.
As a senior colleague, you will mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers and scientists, foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture and set engineering best practice. You will also be responsible for supporting project management as well as business development activities under the guidance of the respective teams.
The position is largely based in our Cambridge office; however, you will have the opportunity for some travel, this could be UK-wide, within Europe, the United States or the Far East. In order to be successful you will need to demonstrate leadership in pursuit of technical solutions and novel ideas, have a hands-on approach to problem solving and ultimately managing projects against time, budget and client expectations.
This role combines hands-on engineering, technical decision-making, project and team leadership within a fast-paced consultancy environment spanning multiple sectors, working towards deadlines and delivering excellent technical solutions. You will be required to communicate effectively in a wide range of environments, both with colleagues and clients and will have the opportunity to develop your negotiation skills and expand your technical knowledge.
Minimum Qualifications:- Extensive experience (10+ years) in mechanical engineering / product development
- Experience in people leadership, preferably in mechanical engineering
- Strong 3D CAD capability (principally Creo but SolidWorks also advantageous)
- Proven experience taking products from concept to manufacture
- Hands-on experience making parts and building prototypes
- Experience dealing with 3rd party suppliers such as engineering workshops, plastic fabricators, hardware suppliers
- Excellent understanding of materials, tolerancing, and manufacturing processes
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams (physics, electronics, software)
- Minimum 2/1 Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Background in consultancy or contract R&D environments
- Experience with machinery such as lathes and milling machines
- Experience with 3D printing, both internal and bureau
- Experience in one or more sectors such as:
- Sensing technology such as optical, magnetic, ultrasonic
- Consumer and industrial products
- Scientific instrumentation
- Water infrastructure
- Sustainable energy
- Knowledge of regulatory or quality systems (e.g. ISO 13485, ISO 9001)
- Experience with FEA, thermal analysis, or other simulation
Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the facility.
Work Environment:Office: Standard office equipment; work usually performed in an office or site laboratory setting. Estimated 10% or less travel requirement. Standard weekly job hours: 37.5 hours.
Benefits Include:- Competitive salaries
- Holiday of 25 days per year, increases with length of service
- Group life cover at 4 times basic salary
- Private health care
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Relocation expenses as appropriate
- Annual performance and merit process
- Discretionary 10% All staff bonus scheme
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Access to flexible benefits including cycle to work, critical illness cover and green car leasing
- Flexible and remote working
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At Sentec, a Xylem brand, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and high-performance engineering culture. Our Cambridge office offers a dynamic work environment where you can lead innovative projects, mentor emerging talent, and enjoy competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements, private healthcare, and a generous holiday allowance. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful engineering solutions across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Cambridge
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, making you a more appealing candidate.
