At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical testing and develop innovative test solutions for cutting-edge projects.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: HNC or higher in relevant field with proven mechanical test experience.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 52500 £ per year.
The Principal Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership for Mechanical, Environmental & Vibration test.
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The opportunity:
The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for developing new test solutions and supporting existing ones, providing full test capabilities to operations. The role focuses on existing and new product requirements, developing and maintaining test capabilities, leading continuous improvement methodologies and providing key technical support to operations and engineering functions. Knowledge of Environmental, Vibration & Mechanical test, calibration controls and equipment capabilities is critical, as well as the ability to work in cross functional teams and reporting to external stakeholders.
Key attributes:
- Mechanical test experience (i.e. pressure decay, helium leak test, friction test)
- Experience in Environment & Vibration test – ideally Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)
- Vibration analysis and profile development (use of DataPhysics or similar control SW)
- Thermal profile development
- Knowledge of PSSR 2000 including written scheme of examination.
- Diagnosing and repairing faults on ESS and mechanical test equipment
- Writing test & calibration instructions for operational staff
- A working knowledge of thermal, vibration and mechanical test principles and test equipment
- Preparation of Test Equipment
- Defining Specifications contributing to the design, procurement and commissioning of fully bespoke mechanical & pneumatic test facilities.
What we're looking for from you:
- Minimum HNC qualification in relevant field, HND or higher preferred.
- Proven experience setting up test systems – Mechanical & Environmental test
- Experience using investigation techniques & conducting root cause analysis
- Technical report writing experience essential
- SAP experience desirable
Our company Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Bolton employer: Mbda Systems
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. With competitive benefits such as a company bonus, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for continuous growth and development, makes it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Bolton
✨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 Mbda Systems.
✨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 Mbda Systems love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Mbda Systems 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 Engineer in Bolton
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 Mbda Systems and the Principal Mechanical 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 Mbda Systems
✨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 Mbda Systems.
✨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 Mbda Systems.
✨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 Mbda Systems, making you a more appealing candidate.
