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- Tasks: Lead innovative mechanical design projects that improve lives and solve real-world challenges.
- Company: Fast-growing company focused on next-generation medical devices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and strong support for training and career progression.
- Other info: Join a high-calibre team with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in product development required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join a fast‑growing, innovation‑led product development environment, working on complex, real‑world engineering challenges that genuinely improve people’s lives.
You’ll play a key role in leading mechanical product development programmes from early concept through to manufacture, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and global manufacturing partners. This role offers genuine technical ownership, customer engagement, and the chance to influence both product direction and commercial success.
This is a collaborative, high‑calibre engineering culture that values technical excellence, creativity, and professional development, with strong support for training, mentoring, and career progression.
Responsibilities:- Leading mechanical engineering activities across full product development programmes
- Providing technical leadership to multi‑disciplinary project teams
- Developing innovative mechanical design concepts to solve complex engineering problems
- Producing and reviewing detailed mechanical designs with strong consideration for DFM/DFA
- Building and testing proof‑of‑concept prototypes to validate and de‑risk designs
- Supporting transfer to manufacture, working with suppliers and contract manufacturing partners
- Presenting technical progress, risks, and timelines clearly to customers and stakeholders
- Contributing to business development by supporting proposals and client engagement
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Strong industry experience delivering mechanical product development projects
- Proven experience taking designs from concept through to manufacture
- Experience providing technical leadership and ownership within project teams
- Mechanical & Product Development Expertise
- SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD experience
- Hands‑on experience with practical prototyping, testing, and validation
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier interaction
- Experience producing manufacturable mechanical designs
- Confident communicator with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Experience across the full product design lifecycle, including requirements, CAD, testing, and design transfer nice to have
- Experience with plastics and injection moulding beneficial
- Exposure to regulated product environments (e.g. ISO / FDA / medical devices) also a bonus
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge employer: Vector Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Vector Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in medical devices. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best mechanical design projects. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with product development and how you've tackled complex engineering challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about joining us. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance to stand out in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience in mechanical product development and any relevant projects you've led. 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 passionate about working on next-generation medical devices and how you can contribute to our innovative environment. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise, especially with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools. Mention any hands-on experience with prototyping and testing, as this is crucial for the role. We love seeing practical examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vector Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles and the specifics of product development. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in medical devices and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've guided a project from concept to manufacture and how you managed team dynamics and stakeholder communication.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex engineering challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your innovative design concepts and practical prototyping skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their projects and company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.