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- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering projects and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic consultancy environment.
- Company: Established UK rail engineering consultancy focused on safety and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in rolling stock engineering and a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead major projects and drive continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Derby
Salary: Negotiable – D.O.E
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Sector: Rail
About the Company
Our client is a well-established UK rail engineering consultancy supporting fleet owners, operators, OEMs and maintainers across the full rolling stock lifecycle. Their work spans concept design, modification, assurance, testing and in-service support, with safety, performance and sustainability at the core of everything they do. Due to continued growth and increasing demand from clients, the business is strengthening its Mechanical Engineering capability and is now looking to appoint a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide senior technical leadership.
About the Role
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will act as a technical authority across mechanical systems, leading complex work scopes and supporting delivery across multiple rolling stock programmes. This is a senior consultancy role combining hands-on technical leadership with client engagement, mentoring of engineers and contribution to bids and proposals. You’ll be trusted to balance rigorous engineering with pragmatic delivery, ensuring work is completed safely, compliantly and to a high standard. The role offers real influence across projects, teams and client relationships, making it well suited to an experienced engineer looking to operate at principal level within a consultancy environment.
The key requirements for this Principal Mechanical Engineer role are:
- Act as technical authority for mechanical systems including bogies, running gear, brakes, doors, HVAC, interiors, couplers and vehicle structures
- Define, review and approve engineering strategies, calculations and technical documentation
- Lead mechanical modifications, upgrades and retrofit programmes across new-build and legacy fleets
- Plan and oversee testing and validation activities including static and dynamic trials
- Ensure compliance with relevant UK and European rail standards and internal assurance processes
- Own technical work packages, delivering to agreed time, cost and quality targets
- Prepare and present technical reports, design reviews and assurance evidence to clients and assessment bodies
- Support bid preparation, estimating and development of competitive technical proposals
- Build and maintain strong technical relationships with clients and supply chain partners
- Mentor, coach and technically review work produced by junior engineers
- Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes and ways of working
Experience required for this Principal Mechanical Engineer role are:
- 10+ years’ experience in rolling stock engineering within a safety-critical environment
- Strong background in mechanical systems engineering, either specialist or broad-based
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Proven experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects
- Experience contributing to bids, estimates and consultancy proposals
Desirable knowledge, skills and experience for this Principal Mechanical Engineer role are:
- Experience delivering rolling stock modifications on UK fleets
- Knowledge of RAMS, hazard analysis and assurance processes
- Familiarity with approvals pathways and assessment bodies
- Oversight of CAD and analysis tools for governance and review
- Whole-life cost, reliability and maintainability improvement experience
Package and Benefits of the Principal Mechanical Engineer role:
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Collaborative and inclusive working culture
- Opportunity to lead major consultancy projects cradle to grave.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Derby employer: Navartis
Contact Detail:
Navartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Derby
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the rail engineering sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and technical expertise. Share specific examples of projects you've led or complex problems you've solved. This is your time to shine!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand the specific needs and values of the consultancy you're applying to. Tailor your conversations and presentations to show how your skills align perfectly with their goals and projects.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Mechanical Engineer role! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our growing team, so make sure your application stands out.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in rolling stock engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your technical authority and leadership skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your technical skills related to mechanical systems. Whether it's bogies or HVAC, let us know how your expertise can contribute to our projects. We’re all about safety and performance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navartis
✨Know Your Mechanical Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical systems relevant to the role, such as bogies, brakes, and HVAC. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've applied your technical authority in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor junior engineers. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a project or guided a team, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Understand Compliance and Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK and European rail standards, as well as internal assurance processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the new position.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during your interview. Prepare to present your past work, including any technical reports or design reviews you've conducted. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
