Principal Mechanical Design Lead – Defence Systems in Horsham

Principal Mechanical Design Lead – Defence Systems in Horsham

Horsham Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Holt Engineering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design lifecycle of advanced electro-mechanical systems for defence applications.
  • Company: Holt Engineering, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in mechanical design and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Holt Engineering in Horsham, England seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the full design lifecycle of advanced electro‑mechanical systems for demanding defence applications.

You will guide concept to production, mentor engineers, and drive design governance across multi-disciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, technical problem solving, and collaboration with project managers, customers, and suppliers to deliver high‑performance solutions.

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Principal Mechanical Design Lead – Defence Systems in Horsham employer: Holt Engineering

Join a well-established and rapidly expanding manufacturing business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Area Sales Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, excellent bonus structure, and comprehensive training, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With the opportunity to build long-term customer relationships across the South East, this role offers meaningful engagement and the chance to make a significant impact within the industry.

Holt Engineering

Contact Details:

Holt Engineering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Lead – Defence Systems 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.

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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Holt Engineering 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 Lead – Defence Systems in Horsham

Mechanical Design
Electro-Mechanical Systems
Design Lifecycle Management
Technical Problem Solving
Mentoring
Collaboration
Project Management

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 and the Principal Mechanical Design Lead – Defence Systems 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

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.

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.

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, making you a more appealing candidate.