Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford

Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 62100 - 75900 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
FLIR Systems, Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for space imaging projects.
  • Company: Join Teledyne Technologies, a leader in advanced technology for industrial growth markets.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a vibrant work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent career growth and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on groundbreaking space missions and work with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree and CAD proficiency required; aerospace experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 62100 - 75900 £ per year.

Be visionary Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability.

These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description Company Overview

This opportunity sits within the Mechanical Engineering team, in the Chelmsford Space Imaging business unit of Teledyne.

Space science is at the core of understanding the Universe's origins and future.

The sensor device technology includes Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs), CMOS image detectors (visible and infra-red) and their associated Read Out ICs (ROICs).

From the earliest signs of the Big Bang to the effects of solar activity on the Earth, the detailed scientific information and images obtained with Teledyne Space Imaging’s CCD and CMOS sensors are helping us understand more about our surroundings.

The imaging sensors developed and tested at the Chelmsford site have been used on humanities most important space imaging missions.

These include the Hubble Telescope, Keplar, GAIA, Mars Rovers, New Horizons, and Rosetta to name but a few.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team, where you will lead the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and components for a variety of projects.

This position is open to all levels of experience.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will ensure the successful delivery of high-quality products and projects by developing bespoke solutions for space imaging sensors, test cameras and front‑end electronics.

Your responsibilities will encompass the design of associated assembly and test jigging, as well as transport packaging, and will require you to drive new design solutions from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings, including the selection of suitable materials.

In collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Team Leader, Process Engineers, Project Lead Engineers, and Project Managers, you will help guarantee that relevant requirements are met.

Adaptability, efficiency, and advanced competence in CAD are essential, as is a strong focus on design for manufacture, assembly, cost, and lead times to ensure practical and innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • You will be responsible for providing suitable solutions at gate reviews on schedule for all mechanical requirements on your assigned project.
  • Own detailed mechanical engineering documentation for all gate reviews — including design and analysis reports, test plans, manufacturing drawings, and gate review presentations — and ensure effective communication of technical information to both internal and external parties.
  • Participate actively in design reviews, provide constructive feedback to improve designs, and work closely with process engineers to offer well‑documented solutions to complex technical issues.
  • Identify and resolve technical problems during the design phase, proactively assess risks, and demonstrate the ability to work independently and with teams to deliver robust solutions.
  • Stay up‑to‑date with advancements in mechanical engineering technologies, drive the development of processing expertise, and support the industrialisation of processes for product solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Experience in delivery of products or projects in the Space or Aerospace sectors through the gate review processes (SRR, PDR, CDR etc).
  • Mechanical Engineering degree
  • Proficiency in CAD software, ideally Creo
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret FEA results and apply insights to refine and enhance design solutions.
  • Ability to design solutions that effectively address challenging environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, and heat transfer, through the application of specialised engineering knowledge.
  • Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Highly Desirable Qualifications and Experience
  • Experience in the Space or Aerospace industries.
  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • IMECHE chartered engineer.
  • Knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD industry standards and regulations.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading projects and delivering high-quality results.
  • Proficiency in FEA.
  • Working Knowledge of PTC Creo and Windchill.
  • Ability to carry out thermal and stress calculations.
  • Knowledge of requirements management – compliance verification matrix, DFMEA, risk register.

Benefits

  • Site is located in Chelmsford, a growing and vibrant city surrounded by countryside with excellent transport links to London (40 minutes by train to Liverpool street) and Stansted (45 minutes by bus).
  • Location of site is beside a beautiful park, with excellent walking and cycling routes.
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays as standard – with the opportunity to purchase up to 5 days additional leave.
  • Free on‑site parking and secure area for motorcycles and bicycles.
  • The company participates in an electric Car scheme, offering fantastic monthly leasing rates with salary sacrifice.
  • Competitive pension scheme with up to 7% company contribution.
  • Free tea and coffee from vending machines on site as well as free fresh fruit.
  • Medicash health plan to help cover your everyday healthcare needs.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • 4x Salary Life Assurance.
  • Numerous discounts with major retailers as part of our flexible benefits package.
  • The site has its own football pitch, which holds regular company tournaments.
  • Season ticket discounts on Greater Anglia Trains.
  • Flexible start and finish times – 37‑hour week and core hours are between 9:00am and 15:30.
  • Support your professional development with a paid membership to a relevant professional body.
  • Access to mentors and training – explore the vast training library on Teledyne University.

The company has a culture that is friendly and welcoming.

The above role profile is not meant to be an exhaustive list and duties within areas of responsibility will be expected to change to meet the changing needs of our business.

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards.

We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders.

Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions. .

You may not realize it, but Teledyne enables many of the products and services you use every day.

Teledyne provides enabling technologies to sense, transmit and analyze information for industrial growth markets, including aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, energy, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

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Principal Mechanical Engineer in Chelmsford employer: FLIR Systems, Inc.

FLIR Systems, Inc. is an exceptional employer located in Lincoln, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets hands-on engineering support. Employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including a competitive pension plan and exclusive discounts, all while being part of a culture that prioritises safety, quality, and professional growth opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

FLIR Systems, Inc.

Contact Details:

FLIR Systems, Inc. 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 FLIR Systems, Inc..

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 FLIR Systems, Inc. love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of FLIR Systems, Inc. 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 Engineering
CAD Software Proficiency
FEA Interpretation
Design for Manufacture
Materials Knowledge
Manufacturing Processes Understanding
Problem-Solving Skills

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 FLIR Systems, Inc. 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 FLIR Systems, Inc.

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 FLIR Systems, Inc..

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 FLIR Systems, Inc..

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 FLIR Systems, Inc., making you a more appealing candidate.