Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge mechanical systems for space exploration.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of space technology.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, flexible hours, healthcare support, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-leading space missions and advance your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD proficiency, and project leadership experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about aerospace and innovative engineering solutions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer looking to design and deliver cutting-edge technology for space exploration? This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic team working on advanced space imaging sensors used in some of humanity’s most important missions, from deep space telescopes to planetary rovers.
In this role, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and components for bespoke imaging sensors, test cameras, and front-end electronics. You’ll drive projects from concept through detailed manufacturing drawings, selecting suitable materials and ensuring that all designs meet demanding environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, and thermal extremes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead mechanical engineering activities across multiple projects, translating complex specifications into practical designs and delivering robust, high-quality solutions on time and to budget.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation including design specifications, test plans, manufacturing drawings, and technical reports.
- Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and improve processes.
- Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring all designs meet performance, cost, and lead-time targets.
- Stay up to date with new mechanical engineering technologies and support the industrialisation of custom product solutions.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
- Proficiency in CAD software and ability to interpret FEA results to refine designs.
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems, including design for shock, vibration, and thermal performance.
- Proven track record of leading projects and delivering innovative, manufacturable solutions.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamworking skills.
Highly Desirable:
- Chartered status (IMechE).
- 5+ years’ experience in mechanical engineering, ideally within the space or aerospace industries.
- Knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD standards.
- Proficiency with PTC Creo, Windchill, and thermal/stress calculations.
- Familiarity with requirements management tools and processes (DFMEA, risk registers, compliance verification).
Why Join
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (option to buy up to 5 extra days).
- Flexible start/finish times within a 37-hour week.
- Electric car scheme, cycle-to-work programme, and free on-site parking.
- Private healthcare support, life assurance, and access to a flexible benefits platform.
- Excellent training opportunities, paid professional memberships, and mentoring support.
Take your mechanical engineering career to new heights by contributing to world-leading space imaging missions that shape our understanding of the universe.
Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Holt Executive Ltd
Contact Detail:
Holt Executive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and mechanical engineering fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those related to space imaging or advanced mechanical systems. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table. Remember, we want to see your creativity and problem-solving abilities!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions specific to mechanical engineering and the space industry. Practice explaining your past projects and how you tackled challenges. We want to hear your thought process and how you lead teams to success!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on board to work on those cutting-edge technologies together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your proficiency in CAD software and any relevant projects you've led, especially those related to space or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about mechanical engineering and space exploration. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can contribute to our cutting-edge technology.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, emphasise your problem-solving abilities. We want to see how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects, especially in demanding environments like shock and thermal extremes.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to space technology. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software and how you've tackled challenges like shock and thermal performance in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've led or contributed to, particularly those that involved innovative solutions. Highlight your role in translating complex specifications into practical designs and how you ensured they met performance and budget targets.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Discuss any design reviews you've participated in and how you resolved technical challenges as a team.
✨Stay Current
Demonstrate your passion for the field by discussing recent advancements in mechanical engineering technologies. Show that you're proactive about staying updated and how you can apply new knowledge to support the industrialisation of custom product solutions.
