Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Safran Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative projects in aerospace, focusing on mechanical design and electric propulsion 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 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.

Safran Group

Contact Details:

Safran Group Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Airworthiness Knowledge
EASA/FAA/RTCA Regulations
Mechanical Design of Rotating Machinery
Electric Machines Design
Product Development Process