At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects from concept to production in defence applications.
- Company: Join a skilled engineering team in a dynamic and impactful environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for mentorship, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape advanced electro-mechanical systems and make a difference in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in complex design.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (V-137547)
Location Horsham, England Sector Engineering Salary £65,000.00 to £75,000.00 per annum
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 DOE
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team in Horsham. This is a senior technical leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the design, development, and delivery of advanced electro‑mechanical systems used in demanding defence applications across land and maritime environments.
This position would suit a mechanically focused engineer who enjoys taking concepts from initial design through to production, leading by example, and working closely with multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, innovative solutions. You will play a key role in design governance, technical problem‑solving, customer engagement, and mentoring engineers while helping to establish best practice across the business.
The role
- Lead mechanical engineering activities from concept through the full design lifecycle.
- Create and develop innovative designs for complex mechanisms and structures using 3D CAD.
- Carry out engineering analysis including stress, fatigue, vibration, and performance assessment.
- Produce and manage detailed engineering and assembly drawings for manufacture.
- Support lab development, testing, verification, and conformance activities.
- Lead engineering reports, technical documentation, and formal design outputs.
- Select materials, coatings, and manufacturing techniques suitable for harsh environments.
- Work closely with wider engineering teams to integrate electronic, control, and drive systems.
- Formulate prototype designs and present the rationale behind design decisions.
- Resolve technical issues and provide effective engineering solutions.
- Lead and support design reviews and release mechanical designs into production.
- Liaise with project managers, sales teams, customers, and suppliers to support successful project delivery.
- Support production, test, and field engineering teams as required.
- Contribute to bids, quotations, proposals, and sales literature.
- Drive continuous improvement through strong collaboration across engineering and manufacturing functions.
The ideal candidate
- Degree educated in Mechanical Engineering.
- Significant experience in the design of complex mechanisms and structures.
- Proven background in delivering designs from concept through to production.
- Strong knowledge of SolidWorks and other relevant modelling tools.
- Confident in performing engineering calculations and analysis.
- Experience working with gear drives, bearings, motors, servo and motion control systems.
- Good understanding of machining, casting, fabrication, and moulding techniques.
- Experience in defence or a related high‑specification engineering environment.
- Able to lead and support a small to medium‑sized design team.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Experienced in coaching, mentoring, and supporting talent development.
- Able to manage priorities, workload, and deadlines effectively.
- Competent in producing risk assessments, safety documentation, and technical support materials.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer looking to take the lead on complex defence‑related design projects and contribute to the delivery of innovative, high‑performance engineering solutions.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Horsham employer: Holt Engineering Ltd
Holt Engineering Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With opportunities for permanent contracts and benefits like free on-site parking and weekly pay, employees can thrive in a stable environment while developing their skills as they contribute to the team in Hurn.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design 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 Holt Engineering Ltd.
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Holt Engineering Ltd 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 Design 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 Holt Engineering Ltd and the Principal Mechanical Design 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 Holt Engineering Ltd
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd.
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd.
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
