At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in aerospace engineering and design cutting-edge electrical systems.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, excellent pension, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of the future of flight and help decarbonise aviation.
- Qualifications: Degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and experience in mechanical design.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated 31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
As the world leader in aeronautical electrical systems, Safran Electrical & Power is a key player in the electrification of aircraft equipment and electric and hybrid propulsion. With expertise across the onboard energy chain, the company designs and delivers innovative, optimized and modular architectures and solutions.
Position description
As a Principal Electro-Mechanical Engineer at Safran Electrical & Power you will be responsible for achieving technical and economic performance objectives during the life cycle of a product or product family whilst utilising the latest technology. You will strategically analyse market needs and trends, ensuring the products meet the customer requirements during the whole life cycle. You will participate and lead design and technical reviews to ensure prospective products follow the “First Time Right” design methodology. You will use your experience and researching capabilities to maintain and propose roadmaps to ensure products are ahead of the curve and ahead of market trends. You will be the main contact for issues and queries relating to mechanical design or rotating electric machines.
- Ensure the product line achieves and surpasses technical and economic performance objectives.
- Ensure the product meets customer requirements during the whole life cycle.
- Strategically analyse the market, consumer needs, trends and competition to ensure the products and product families are market leading.
- Elaborate and maintain the product roadmap, proposing future technical roadmaps in collaboration with the Research & Technology team.
- Identify and influence research and technology studies related to the products you have technical authority over.
- Participate and chair design & technical reviews if the product within the product family to ensure “First Time Right” design methodology is followed.
- During the bid phase, validate the tender compliance to product policy and architecture, guaranteeing the product suitability to the customers' requirements and expectations.
Why Safran?
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities.
- A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Candidate skills & requirements
- Degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering preferred.
- Substantial experience in the mechanical design of rotating machinery, and ideally electric machines.
- An understanding of airworthiness requirements and understanding of EASA/FAA and RTCA regulations.
- A solid understanding of the product development process.
- A track record of leading NPI project of a reasonable size and budget as a lead or project engineer.
- Familiarity with the principles of design cost, design for manufacture and design for assembly.
- Previous experience using relevant engineering and analysis software tools, including Catia V5, Windchill and Integrity.
Location: Pitstone, Tring, Hertfordshire.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leighton Buzzard employer: Safran Group
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in Burnley, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to training and career progression, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to innovate within the aerospace industry while enjoying unique benefits like corporate wellness memberships and a culture that celebrates diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Leighton Buzzard
✨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 Safran Group.
✨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 Safran Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Safran Group 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 Leighton Buzzard
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 Safran Group 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 Safran Group
✨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 Safran Group.
✨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 Safran Group.
✨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 Safran Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
