Principal Mechanical Engineer in Dartford

Principal Mechanical Engineer in Dartford

Dartford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Vector Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design for next-gen medical devices, from concept to manufacture.
  • Company: Fast-growing, innovation-led company improving lives through engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and strong support for career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for training, mentoring, and technical leadership.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare with cutting-edge technology and collaborative teams.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and strong experience in product development.

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/DFAB
  • 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
Requirements:
  • 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 Dartford employer: Vector Recruitment Ltd

Join a dynamic and innovative team in Cambridge as a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, where you'll have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects that enhance lives through next-generation medical devices. Our collaborative work culture prioritises technical excellence and creativity, offering robust support for professional development, training, and career progression. With competitive salaries and excellent benefits, this role not only provides meaningful work but also a chance to make a significant impact in the field of medical engineering.

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 Dartford

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

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our innovative team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we value highly.

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

Mechanical Engineering
Product Development
Technical Leadership
3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar)
Prototyping
Testing and Validation
Manufacturing Processes

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 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 passionate about working with us at StudySmarter and how you can contribute to our innovative projects. Keep it engaging and personal!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise, especially in SolidWorks or similar CAD software. Mention any hands-on experience with prototyping and testing, as these are key for the role. We love seeing practical skills in action!

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 from us!

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 device design, as well as any relevant regulations like ISO or FDA standards. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in providing technical leadership. Share specific examples of how you've guided projects from concept to manufacture, and how you’ve engaged with team members and stakeholders to drive success.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Prepare to talk about complex engineering challenges you've faced and how you approached solving them. Highlight your innovative design concepts and any hands-on experience with prototyping and testing. This will illustrate your ability to think critically and creatively under pressure.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice presenting your ideas and technical progress clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain your designs and decisions in a way that’s understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences, as you'll need to engage with customers and stakeholders regularly.