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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative electronics design and systems architecture in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: A leading electro-optic and defence technology business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge projects while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in electronics engineering with strong leadership and project management skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
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
- Lead electronics design activities across complex, multi‑discipline projects, covering both circuit‑level design and higher‑level electrical architecture.
- Act as technical authority for key topics such as EMC, power management, servo control, processor interfacing, and communications.
- Define and review system‑level electrical architectures, including power distribution, signal transmission, wiring and production considerations.
- Own and deliver analysis‑based tasks such as circuit emulation, performance calculations and power budgets.
- Take technical leadership of multi‑disciplinary project teams, setting standards of good engineering practice and fostering a systematic, quality‑driven culture.
- Proactively review and improve engineering processes, tools and design methodologies, driving innovation across the function.
- Investigate and resolve complex technical issues at PCB and system level, identifying root cause and recommending design or procedural improvements.
- Support bids and proposals, working closely with senior management, directors and key customers to shape solutions, estimate work and present technical approaches.
- Provide 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 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
✨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. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you’re a great communicator!
✨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. Let’s get you that Principal Electronics Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electronics Engineer
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 experience, technical expertise, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about electronics engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don't shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Mention your experience with PCB design tools, power management, and any other relevant technologies. We love seeing candidates who are hands-on and have a solid understanding of the latest trends in electronics.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
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 circuit-level design. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied this knowledge, as it shows your hands-on experience and technical authority.
✨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 questions that test your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Think of complex technical issues you've resolved in the past and be ready to explain your thought process, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical topics with non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with senior management and customers effectively.
