Principal Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer – R&D / Product Design

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

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About the Role

Exciting opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced mechatronic systems. This is a hands-on position, ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges, taking ownership across the full product lifecycle from concept and CAD modelling through to verification, testing, and iteration. You will work closely with electronics and software teams to deliver high-performance solutions.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of new mechanical systems, ensuring they meet technical, commercial, and operational requirements.

• Maintain and improve existing products, driving quality enhancements, production efficiency, and cost reductions.

• Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation, including CAD models, BOMs, design calculations, costings, and test reports.

• Mentor and support other mechanical engineers, sharing expertise and promoting engineering best practices.

• Set and monitor engineering standards across projects to ensure consistent, high-quality outputs.

• Participate in and contribute to design reviews, offering technical insight across the full product portfolio.

• Balance personal design work with team support, project reviews, and guidance on engineering deliverables.

• Quickly become proficient in company-specific CAD workflows and design processes.

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Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Extensive professional experience in product design and development, ideally in high-spec or complex engineering environments.

• Proficient in 3D CAD (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and FEA tools (ideally Ansys).

• Strong attention to detail and structured approach to engineering problem-solving.

• Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines and budgets.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers and promoting a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

• Adaptable, self-aware, and able to thrive in fast-paced R&D projects with changing priorities.

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What You’ll Get

• Take on challenging engineering problems with products that have real-world impact.

• Lead and influence design culture, shaping best practices across the mechanical engineering team.

• See your designs progress from CAD models to fully operational, tested systems.

• Collaborate with talented engineers across electronics, software, and systems disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

• Work in a small, dynamic organisation where your contributions are visible and directly impact outcomes.

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Benefits & Work Environment

• Performance-related bonus and competitive holiday allowance 

• Private healthcare coverage and life assurance.

• EV car scheme and Cycle to Work options.

• Pension scheme with employer contribution.

• Positive and inclusive company culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

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Culture & Values

• Deliver meaningful work with impact.

• Foster trust, respect, and honesty in all interactions.

• Promote collaboration and team support.

• Encourage innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.

• Maintain a positive, empowered, and enjoyable working environment.