Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the mechanical design of advanced defence technologies within Thales’ Integrated Airspace Systems portfolio. You’ll mentor a multidisciplinary team, drive engineering best practice, and deliver robust, cost-effective solutions for Weapon, Missile and Platform systems. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on design to support strategic growth and national security objectives. You will shape high-impact projects and collaborate across functions in a hybrid, growth-focused environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday
• Private healthcare
• Pension
• Life cover
• Volunteer day

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and development for new and existing products using first principles, CAE tools, and testing methods
• Drive technical excellence by evaluating complex problems and proposing justified solutions aligned with architectures and customer needs
• Create and maintain BS 8888-compliant technical drawings, specifications, and configuration-controlled records
• Lead engineering change management, ensuring BOM integrity and engineering processes across lifecycle
• Collaborate with engineering, production, procurement and other stakeholders to deliver manufacturable, cost-effective solutions
• Plan, monitor and improve engineering delivery, tracking progress against costs, lead times, and quality targets
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers, promoting best practice and professional growth

Key requirements

• Engineering degree (preferably Mechanical Engineering)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Creo and/or CATIA) with experience in BS 8888 drawings and GD&T
• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Windchill) and BOM management
• DfM/DFX and continuous improvement mindset for manufacturable design
• Knowledge of international/defence standards and environmental testing methodologies
• Experience solving complex problems with CAE/analysis tools (e.g., Ansys, Creo Simulate, SolidWorks Simulate)
• Proven ability to lead projects and multidisciplinary teams, with strong stakeholder management
• Commitment to mentoring and technical leadership

• Strong communication and collaboration
• Stakeholder management
• Mentoring and people development
• Creo
• CATIA
• Windchill

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