Principal Design Engineer - Mechanical

Shape the Future of Motorsport Innovation. We are passionate about delivering world-class motorsport experiences and pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence. Innovation has been at the heart of everything we do for decades, driving technologies and solutions that make an impact both on and off the track.

Behind every event, broadcast, and technical achievement is a team of passionate experts working together across engineering, operations, logistics, production, media, and technology to create unforgettable experiences for millions of fans worldwide. We are now looking for an experienced and driven Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team and play a key role in delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions across high-profile projects.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Mechanical Design Manager, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of high-quality mechanical systems and solutions from concept through to deployment and operational support. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong and commercially aware engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-performance environments and enjoys solving complex engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of innovative, reliable mechanical systems and components, supported by comprehensive technical documentation.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, assemblies, and engineering documentation for Mechanical Engineering and R&D projects.
• Support the maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical systems both in the UK and internationally.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively in high-pressure operational environments.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners to define requirements and deliver engineering solutions.
• Drive projects through the complete engineering lifecycle, including concept design, development, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, commissioning, and operational handover.
• Produce clear technical reports, specifications, and user documentation to support engineering delivery and operational excellence.
• Maintain and administer Windchill/PDMLink systems, drawing databases, and associated engineering documentation.
• Ensure designs align with manufacturing capability, reliability requirements, sustainability objectives, and operational performance standards.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and technicians, promoting best practice and right-first-time delivery.
• Take ownership of complex engineering projects, managing scope, schedules, risks, budgets, and technical performance to achieve key programme milestones.
• Occasionally travel internationally to support live events, installations, maintenance activities, and operational engineering support.

What We’re Looking For

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive and self-motivated problem solver who performs well under pressure.
• Comfortable working independently while also collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Adaptable and capable of responding quickly to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• A confident communicator with the ability to engage professionally with stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience using PTC Creo for mechanical design.
• Strong experience using AutoCAD.
• Proven experience administering and releasing data through Windchill PDMLink (or similar PLM systems).
• Strong background in complex mechanical design and engineering analysis.
• Excellent understanding of technical drawing standards, particularly BS8888.
• Experience managing mechanical engineering projects from concept to delivery.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience leading or mentoring mechanical engineers and technicians.
• Technical management experience within engineering teams.
• Experience working within fast-paced, high-performance engineering environments.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong practical engineering capability with excellent understanding of ergonomics, aesthetics, shock, and vibration considerations.
• Knowledge of a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with low-volume manufacturing and bespoke product design.
• Understanding of aluminium fabrication design.
• Ability to produce clear technical reports, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale engineering programmes concurrently.
• Awareness of sustainable engineering principles and their application within product design.