Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - FRO (18-24m FTC)

We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team and support the FRO project. Reporting into our Mechanical Design Manager, the role will design, develop and produce high‑quality, reliable mechanical solutions, including comprehensive documentation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop and produce high‑quality, reliable mechanical solutions and comprehensive documentation.
• Design and draft components and assemblies for all Mechanical Engineering and R&D projects.
• Support, modify, maintain & repair all FOM mechanical systems (UK and abroad), including rapid fault finding, evaluation and diagnosis.
• Carry out 3D modelling & 2D design/drafting work, updating and modifying existing designs/diagrams.
• Liaise efficiently with staff, departments, teams and outside organisations (manufacturers, suppliers, consultancies) to establish effective relations and define requirements.
• Decompose complex problems and produce simple, effective solutions, including innovative cutting‑edge designs for other projects.
• Administer Windchill/PDMLink, drawing identification database and Drawing Office documentation.
• Carry out full design cycle project/task work through conception, design, development, prototyping, testing, diagnosing, manufacture and commissioning.
• Produce high‑quality, reliable products/systems that require minimal maintenance and support.
• Estimate project and task duration and costing accurately.
• Produce appropriate and complete documentation for all designs/enhancements/projects.
• Prepare reports for the R&D Groups’ Management.
• Hand over completed projects & assembly modifications to operationally responsible departments with relevant documentation.
• Assist operational departments and technicians as required.
• Represent R&D (Mechanical) support at events abroad, occasionally as a Maintenance Technician and to coordinate rigging and de‑rigging of mechanical equipment.
• Take end‑to‑end ownership of complex mechanical engineering projects, delivering on scope, cost, schedule and performance, supported by strong technical reporting and documentation expertise.
• Lead mechanical engineers, ensuring right‑first‑time design solutions through strong governance, mentoring and accountability.

What We’re Looking For – Personal Qualities

• Ability to multitask, prioritise and manage large and small projects in parallel.
• Effective teamwork and independent work capabilities.
• Adaptability to changing targets and tight deadlines.
• Clear, professional communication with colleagues, managers and external organisations.
• Can work with minimal supervision, self‑motivated and highly driven.

Qualifications (Not Essential, but Preferred)

• Degree in Mechanical or Engineering Product Design / similar discipline or HND.
• At least 5 years’ experience designing with PTC Creo.
• Experience using AutoCAD.
• At least 5 years’ experience administering and releasing using WindchillPDMLink10.1 or similar.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Experience in mathematical analysis for complex designs.
• In‑depth knowledge of drawing standards, specifically BS8888.
• Mechanical projects management experience.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.

Desirable Experience

• Ability to provide clear direction to technicians.
• Experience in technical management of senior & junior mechanical design engineers.
• Knowledge of aluminium fabrication design.
• Experience with low‑volume manufacture and bespoke product design.

Knowledge & Skills

• Hands‑on practical skills and a strong sense of aesthetics, ergonomics, shock and vibration effects.
• Comprehensive understanding of materials and manufacturing systems.
• Competent in writing technical reports, specifications and user documentation.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate reports.
• Good computer literacy.
• Ability to incorporate sustainability into designs to align with company targets.
• Experience managing teams of design engineers.
• Experience managing multiple large‑scale projects concurrently.
• Knowledge of low‑volume manufacture and bespoke product design.

Career Progression – Where Can You Go Next?

Potential progression includes team management or technical leadership roles within the Mechanical Design team.

Benefits

• Private Healthcare scheme
• Dental Care
• 4 Grand Prix Paddock passes per season
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
• A free staff shuttle service to and from surrounding train stations near Biggin Hill
• Free healthy snacks in our offices
• Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
• 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
• Opportunities to develop and request training via the in‑house Learning and Development team
• Discount on F1 merchandise and at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
• Perkbox benefit portal and more

Join a team that values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. This role offers a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard and employees can make a real impact on the future of the sport.