Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Chippenham Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Z

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering projects, manage product requirements, and design test rigs.
  • Company: Join a top manufacturer in aerospace, defence, and energy sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that shape the future of engineering.
  • Qualifications: Degree in STEM, experience in precision engineering, and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to coach team members and influence engineering decisions.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

A sector leading manufacturer of complex precision components supplied to the aerospace, defence and energy sectors has a new vacancy for a Principal Engineer to join the team. You will play a key role working with customers to define requirements and ensure products meet expectations and industry standards. Candidates are sought with experience working in a precision engineering environment and a proven track record of developing new products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide subject matter expertise to the customer and develop solid long-term relationships.
  • Define, manage, and validate product requirements and acceptance criteria.
  • Be the company customer point for NPI & R&D programs.
  • Deputise for Engineering Manager in their absence.
  • Design of Test Rigs and components.
  • Take responsibility for Engineering decisions and approvals.
  • Produce Engineering drawings.
  • Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners to drive system design, development, and delivery.
  • Coach and develop team members.
  • Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards throughout the engineering lifecycle.

The Person

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in a STEM-related discipline.
  • Proven experience in requirements management, integration, validation, and verification.
  • The ability to lead mechanical design work packages.
  • Previous experience working in a highly regulated sector (aerospace and/or defence).
  • A good understanding of precision engineering processes (machining).
  • Demonstrable experience in applying mechanical engineering for various products along with different stages of a product lifecycle.
  • Solidworks experience.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to influence across the business.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Principal Engineer employer: ZipRecruiter

As a leading manufacturer in the aerospace, defence, and energy sectors, our company offers an exceptional work environment for a Principal Engineer, characterised by a commitment to innovation and excellence. We foster a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to cutting-edge projects. Located in a vibrant area with access to industry hubs, we provide a unique advantage for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in precision engineering.
Z

Contact Detail:

ZipRecruiter Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in precision engineering.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and standards of the aerospace and defence industries. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Research & Development (R&D) programs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed product requirements and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your Solidworks skills by discussing projects where you've used the software to design components or test rigs. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work to illustrate your capabilities during the interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer

Subject Matter Expertise
Requirements Management
Integration and Validation
Mechanical Design Leadership
Precision Engineering Processes
Solidworks Proficiency
Engineering Drawing Production
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Coaching and Development
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Strong Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Customer Relationship Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in precision engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. Emphasise your skills in requirements management, mechanical design, and your familiarity with Solidworks.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Engineer role. Discuss your experience in regulated sectors like aerospace or defence, and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide specific examples in your application that demonstrate your strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Highlight situations where you've successfully led projects or made critical engineering decisions.

Highlight Communication Abilities: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, include instances where you've effectively influenced stakeholders or collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams. This will show your ability to work well within the company.

How to prepare for a job interview at ZipRecruiter

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of precision engineering processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied your technical skills, particularly in requirements management and product development.

✨Emphasise Communication Skills

Strong communication is key in this role, especially when working with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders. Practice articulating complex engineering concepts clearly and concisely, as well as how you've influenced decisions in past roles.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of examples from your experience where you had to make critical engineering decisions or manage project challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities

As you'll be coaching and developing team members, it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Share instances where you've led teams or projects, highlighting your ability to mentor others and drive successful outcomes.

Principal Engineer
ZipRecruiter
Z
  • Principal Engineer

    Chippenham
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-22

  • Z

    ZipRecruiter

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