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- Tasks: Lead complex mechanical design projects for cutting-edge defence systems.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, 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 significant industry experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 £ 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.
Salary: Circa £50,000+ depending on experience
Location: Stevenage (relocation package may be available)
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: An average of 2-3 days per week on-site dependent on work 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 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
The Opportunity: 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’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.
Interested? Click Apply Now!
Our company: 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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Stevenage employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA 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 mechanical engineering field, especially those who work at MBDA or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with design methodologies and how you've led teams through complex projects. We want to see your passion for mechanical design!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a 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 noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at MBDA. Let’s get you that dream job!
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 reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your leadership in mechanical design and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your ability to manage complex work packages.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at MBDA. Don’t forget to mention your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and your approach to driving design maturity.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your hands-on experience with design methodologies like DFMEA, DFA, and DFM. We want to see how you’ve applied these in real-world scenarios, so don’t hold back on the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨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 in multi-disciplinary teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves providing technical leadership, prepare examples of how you've influenced design decisions and mentored less experienced engineers. Highlight your ability to manage priorities and assess risks effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've engaged with suppliers and external partners. Think of specific instances where you negotiated or influenced outcomes to meet project goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis. If you have relevant 3D CAD/CAE experience, be prepared to talk about it, even if training will be provided on company tools.
