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- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for complex defence products and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering with proven experience in leading design projects.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career progression and employee-led networks.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Mechanical Engineering is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineers, with roles available across all areas of the Product Life Cycle, from mechanical future concepts and detailed design through qualification, production, and in-service support. In these roles of responsibility, you will lead the development of mechanical solutions for a wide variety of complex weapons and weapon systems, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
You will be expected to provide technical leadership, drive design maturity, and act as a key interface with internal and external stakeholders.
The roles offer the chance to lead complex mechanical design work packages on critical defence products and influence design decisions across the full life cycle. You will play a key role in ensuring designs meet performance, safety, cost, and schedule requirements. The roles provide excellent long-term career progression opportunities within MBDA, including further technical leadership or engineering management pathways. Appointments will be made at an appropriate level based on skills and experience.
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 and much more
- 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
What we’re looking for from you:
- Ideally Degree, HND, or HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with significant industry experience
- Proven ability to lead mechanical design work packages within multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong experience across full product life cycles, from concept to in-service support
- In-depth knowledge of design proving and qualification activities
- Robust hands-on experience with design methodologies such as DFMEA, DFA, and DFM
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and make technical decisions
- Experience engaging with and developing suppliers and external partners
- Ability to manage priorities, assess risk, and mentor less experienced engineers
- Understanding of structural, thermal, and/or dynamic analysis (advantageous)
- Relevant 3D CAD/CAE experience (training provided on company tools)
Note: This role may involve UK travel and occasional European travel.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Stevenage employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products thoroughly. Understand their values and recent projects, especially in mechanical design. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We know you’ve got the experience, so let’s make sure you can articulate your achievements and how they relate to the role of Principal Mechanical Design Engineer.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in leading mechanical design work packages and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in multi-disciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your technical leadership and how you've influenced design decisions in past projects. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with design methodologies like DFMEA, DFA, and DFM. We want to see how your knowledge can contribute to our complex mechanical design work packages.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at MBDA!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to design methodologies like DFMEA, DFA, and DFM. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've led design work packages, as this will show your experience and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves providing technical leadership, think of examples where you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare to share how you influenced design decisions and managed priorities, as this will demonstrate your capability to take charge in complex situations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The job requires strong communication skills, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about times when you've had to negotiate or influence stakeholders, and be ready to discuss how you can build relationships with both internal teams and external partners.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some in-depth technical questions related to structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis. Brush up on relevant 3D CAD/CAE tools, even if training is provided, as showing familiarity can set you apart. Don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you're unsure about something during the interview.
