Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects in aerospace and safety-critical sectors.
  • Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at a leading engineering consultancy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
  • Other info: Flexible work culture with excellent career growth and support for all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and strong aerospace design experience required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Empowering projects in a complex world. Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients’ problems head-on. It’s a diverse and inclusive work environment where world‑class talent knows no distinctions. We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you. Flexible working is a central part of our culture. So, talk to us about what’s ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you’re returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in our Advanced Engineering Delivery and Consultancy practice, you will take the lead delivering a wide variety of projects, ranging from niche consultancy to large, high‑profile programmes. Whether it’s tackling the challenge of aircraft electrification or designing critical equipment for major defence programmes, you can take pride in the impact your contribution will make on advancing our world. While this role requires strong aerospace design experience, it also offers the opportunity to apply that expertise across a broader range of complex, high‑integrity programmes within our portfolio‑based business.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and assure mechanical design solutions across aerospace and safety‑critical projects.
  • Deliver engineering outputs to time, cost, and quality requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams across the design lifecycle.
  • Assure quality through effective review, checking, and QA processes.
  • Engage clients and present solutions at formal design reviews.
  • Support integration of designs within complex, regulated systems.
  • Work flexibly across AtkinsRéalis and client environments.

Qualifications

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering; Chartered or working towards.
  • Strong mechanical design capability (concept to detailed design, including GD&T).
  • Aerospace design experience within a regulated environment (e.g. AS9100).
  • Knowledge of relevant standards and certification/approval processes.
  • Clear technical communication and documentation skills.
  • Experience leading delivery, mentoring engineers, and engaging clients.
  • Commercial awareness and stakeholder management capability.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on design.

Benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life. Be rewarded.

Security Clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol employer: SNC-Lavalin

AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that champions a diverse and inclusive work culture, where every voice matters. As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and tailored benefits that support your health and wellbeing. With ample opportunities for professional development and a commitment to fostering employee growth, you can thrive in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a significant impact on high-profile projects in the aerospace sector.

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Contact Details:

SNC-Lavalin Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their exciting work in aerospace design. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.

Tip Number 3

Practice your technical communication skills! You’ll need to present solutions clearly during design reviews, so get comfortable explaining your ideas. Maybe even do a mock presentation with a friend to build your confidence.

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 engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Bristol

Mechanical Design Capability
Aerospace Design Experience
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
Regulated Environment Knowledge (e.g. AS9100)
Technical Leadership
Quality Assurance Processes
Client Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your aerospace design experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about mechanical design and how your background aligns with our projects. Don't forget to mention your understanding of manufacturing processes and how they impact design.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical communication and documentation skills in action. Include examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams or engaged clients in previous roles. This will help us understand your leadership style and how you can contribute to our projects.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you'll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you tailor your application even further!

How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles, especially in aerospace. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. Highlight your experience with GD&T and any relevant standards like AS9100.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored engineers or led projects in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to engage clients and manage stakeholders effectively.

Communicate Clearly

Technical communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present solutions at design reviews, so being articulate and clear will set you apart.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

The company values flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different working environments. Whether it’s hybrid working or adjusting your schedule, showing that you’re open to various arrangements will resonate well.