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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative electronics design and systems architecture in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join a leading electro-optic and defence technology business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cutting-edge projects and mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in electronics engineering with strong leadership and project management skills.
- Other info: Exciting career progression in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
A leading electro‑optic / defence technology business is looking for a Principal Electronics Engineer to take a key role in driving electronics design and systems architecture across a team of around 15 engineers. This is a senior, hands‑on and influential position, combining deep technical ownership with project leadership, mentoring and R&D.
The role involves:
- Leading electronics design activities across complex, multi‑discipline projects, covering both circuit‑level design and higher‑level electrical architecture.
- Acting as technical authority for key topics such as EMC, power management, servo control, processor interfacing, and communications.
- Defining and reviewing system‑level electrical architectures, including power distribution, signal transmission, wiring and production considerations.
- Owning and delivering analysis‑based tasks such as circuit emulation, performance calculations and power budgets.
- Taking technical leadership of multi‑disciplinary project teams, setting standards of good engineering practice and fostering a systematic, quality‑driven culture.
- Proactively reviewing and improving engineering processes, tools and design methodologies, driving innovation across the function.
- Investigating and resolving complex technical issues at PCB and system level, identifying root cause and recommending design or procedural improvements.
- Supporting bids and proposals, working closely with senior management, directors and key customers to shape solutions, estimate work and present technical approaches.
- Providing line‑management style support for a small sub‑team of engineers, including development, coaching, and input into resource and training plans.
About you:
You are an experienced, hands‑on electronics engineer who enjoys combining deep technical work with leadership, mentoring and process improvement.
Essential:
- Strong degree in Electronics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering or similar (IET‑accredited), with typically 10+ years’ relevant experience.
- Solid theoretical and practical understanding of electronics design, including modern PCB and component technologies.
- Proven experience leading projects and/or supervising engineers in a product development environment.
- Experience across areas such as EMC, power management, servo / motor control, embedded interfaces and communications.
- Strong analytical capability – able to perform circuit analysis, power/performance budgeting and trade‑off studies.
- Clear understanding of the full project lifecycle, from bid and concept, through design, verification, production and in‑service support.
- Demonstrable track record of innovation in engineering solutions and/or ways of working.
- Strong fault‑finding skills at PCB and system level, with a structured approach to root‑cause analysis and corrective action.
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable engaging with senior management, customers and cross‑functional teams.
Desirable:
- Chartered Engineer (or working towards).
- Experience leading, managing or mentoring other engineers.
- Experience of EMC to military standards and designing for harsh / defence environments.
- Knowledge of motors and drive technologies, and an understanding of control systems analysis and performance.
- Familiarity with management and collaboration tools (e.g. JIRA, Confluence, MS Project).
- Experience with PCB design tools (e.g. Altium, Cadence OrCAD) and design resilience techniques such as FMEA.
- Awareness of lightning direct and indirect effects.
Principal Electronics Engineer in Crawley employer: Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Electronics Engineer in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the electronics and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and achievements in electronics design. This can really set you apart during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with EMC, power management, and circuit analysis. Practising with a friend can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electronics Engineer in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Electronics Engineer role. Highlight your leadership in electronics design and any relevant project management experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for electronics engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any innovative projects you've led or contributed to.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess. Include specific examples of your work with PCB design, power management, and any other relevant technologies that relate to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electronics design, especially in areas like EMC, power management, and servo control. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied this knowledge, as it shows you're not just familiar with theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or mentored other engineers. Highlight your ability to foster a quality-driven culture and how you've improved engineering processes in past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face technical questions that test your analytical skills. Brush up on circuit analysis and performance budgeting, and be ready to walk through your thought process when solving complex issues. This will demonstrate your structured approach to problem-solving.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical topics. Since you'll be engaging with senior management and customers, being able to convey complex ideas simply is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication style.
