At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and development of innovative cab structures for advanced machinery.
- Company: Globally recognised engineering manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, outstanding healthcare, and 10% matched pension.
- Other info: Long-term career development and progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Join a world-class team and make a real impact in engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong background in structural or mechanical design and proficiency in 3D CAD.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client, a globally recognised engineering manufacturer, is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the design and development of cab structures and operator systems for advanced machinery. The position combines hands‑on design engineering with technical leadership, supporting projects from concept through to production. You'll work closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, compliant and cost‑effective engineering solutions while driving continuous product improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the technical authority for cab and operator environment systems, including cab structures, ergonomics, controls, visibility, HVAC, noise and vibration.
- Lead operator environment activities throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring robust and timely delivery of engineering solutions.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant legislation, standards and internal engineering requirements.
- Own and manage technical risk through activities such as DFMEA, design reviews and validation planning.
- Drive standardisation, component reuse and complexity reduction across product platforms.
- Work closely with Structures, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality and other business functions to deliver integrated solutions.
- Support and challenge suppliers to develop technically robust and cost‑effective designs.
- Liaise with testing and development teams to define and support validation activities, including endurance, customer evaluation and development builds.
- Investigate and resolve engineering issues arising from testing, production and field performance, feeding lessons learned into future product development.
- Mentor and support engineers within the team, helping to develop capability and maintain high technical standards.
About You
- Strong background in structural, mechanical or cab system design within a complex engineering environment.
- Good understanding of engineering compliance, legislation and design governance.
- Experience designing fabricated structures, welded assemblies and complex mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of ergonomics, operator controls and human‑machine interaction.
- Experience leading DFMEA activities and structured engineering problem solving.
- Proficient in 3D CAD software (NX advantageous but not essential).
- Experience with plastics design and injection moulded components would be highly beneficial.
- Able to balance technical performance, quality, cost and manufacturability throughout the design process.
- Backgrounds from off‑highway, automotive, rail, aerospace or other regulated engineering sectors will be considered.
What's on Offer?
- Excellent salary package.
- Outstanding benefits package including healthcare, 10% matched pension and employee rewards.
- Opportunity to join a world‑class engineering organisation.
- Long‑term career development and progression opportunities.
- A varied role combining hands‑on design with technical leadership.
Principal Design Engineer in Uttoxeter employer: Jonathan Lee
Join a globally recognised engineering manufacturer in Staffordshire as a Principal Design Engineer, where you'll enjoy a highly competitive salary and an outstanding benefits package, including healthcare and a 10% matched pension. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, providing you with ample opportunities for long-term career development and progression while you lead the design of advanced cab structures and operator systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Uttoxeter
✨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 Jonathan Lee.
✨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 Jonathan Lee love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Jonathan Lee 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 Design Engineer in Uttoxeter
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 Jonathan Lee and the Principal 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 Jonathan Lee
✨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 Jonathan Lee.
✨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 Jonathan Lee.
✨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 Jonathan Lee, making you a more appealing candidate.
