At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects in the rail industry and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Dynamic company at the forefront of rolling stock engineering with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75k, comprehensive package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on safety and innovation in a critical industry.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on rail systems while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Rolling Stock Engineering and a degree in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across rolling stock mechanical systems, supporting modifications, upgrades, new-build programmes, and consultancy projects within the rail industry. The role requires strong technical expertise, client engagement skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering activities in safety‑critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Act as Technical Authority for systems including bogies/running gear, couplers, doors, interiors, HVAC, brakes, structures, and wheelsets.
- Develop and approve engineering strategies, calculations, analyses, and technical documentation.
- Lead modifications, retrofits, upgrades, and testing activities for new and legacy fleets.
- Oversee validation activities including type tests, installation checks, and static/dynamic trials.
- Project Delivery & Governance
- Deliver engineering work to agreed time, cost, and quality targets.
- Support bidding and estimating activities, producing accurate and competitive proposals.
- Prepare technical reports, design reviews, safety cases, and assurance documentation.
- Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations including EN/BS, RIS/GMRT, and TSIs.
- Client & Commercial Engagement
- Support consultancy proposals and bid submissions.
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
- Represent the business at technical meetings and industry forums.
- Identify innovative solutions aligned to client needs.
- Mentor and support junior engineers.
- Review and approve technical work.
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and quality standards.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practice.
Qualifications
- 10+ years’ experience in Rolling Stock Engineering.
- Degree-qualified in Engineering or relevant STEM discipline.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership.
- Proven experience delivering projects in safety‑critical environments.
- Strong technical report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting bids.
- Experience with UK rolling stock modifications and upgrades.
- Knowledge of RAMS, FMEA, FTA, HAZOP, and safety assurance processes.
- Familiarity with TSIs, RIS/GMRT, ORR interfaces, and approval processes.
- Experience reviewing CAD/PLM and CAE outputs (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS).
- Understanding of reliability, maintainability, and whole‑life cost principles.
- Commercial awareness and leadership experience.
Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: GTS Group Ltd
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Derby location, you will join a dynamic team that values innovation and technical excellence in the rail industry. We offer a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Our hybrid working model provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to impactful projects in a safety-critical environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job opportunities before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects and achievements in rolling stock engineering. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge and industry standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with safety-critical environments and how you've led multidisciplinary teams. We want to see your passion and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in rolling stock engineering and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your technical leadership and client engagement skills, and let us know how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don't forget to showcase your technical expertise. Mention your experience with safety-critical environments and any relevant standards or regulations you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who are well-versed in the industry!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at GTS Group Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in rolling stock systems. Brush up on key areas like bogies, HVAC, and safety assurance processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led modifications or upgrades, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think of examples where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams. Prepare to talk about how you’ve mentored junior engineers or driven continuous improvement in engineering processes. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're not just technically proficient but also a great team player.
✨Engage with Clients and Stakeholders
Client engagement is key in this role. Think about times when you've built strong relationships with clients or stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve identified innovative solutions that align with client needs, as this will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to represent the business effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Proposals
Since you'll be involved in bidding and estimating activities, practice discussing how you've prepared technical reports and proposals in the past. Bring examples of successful bids you've contributed to, and be ready to explain your approach to ensuring compliance with relevant rail standards and regulations.
