Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Overview

Empowering projects in a complex world.

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients’ problems head-on. It’s a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions. We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you. Flexible working is a central part of our culture. So, talk to us about what’s ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you’re returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us. As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in our Advanced Engineering Delivery and Consultancy practice, you will take the lead delivering a wide variety of projects, ranging from niche consultancy to large, high-profile programmes. Whether it’s tackling the challenge of aircraft electrification or designing critical equipment for major defence programmes, you can take pride in the impact your contribution will make on advancing our world. While this role requires strong aerospace design experience, it also offers the opportunity to apply that expertise across a broader range of complex, high-integrity programmes within our portfolio-based business.

Your role

• Lead and assure mechanical design solutions across aerospace and safety‑critical projects.
• Deliver engineering outputs to time, cost, and quality requirements.
• Provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams across the design lifecycle.
• Assure quality through effective review, checking, and QA processes.
• Engage clients and present solutions at formal design reviews.
• Support integration of designs within complex, regulated systems.
• Work flexibly across AtkinsRéalis and client environments.

About you

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering; Chartered or working towards.
• Strong mechanical design capability (concept to detailed design, including GD&T).
• Aerospace design experience within a regulated environment (e.g. AS9100).
• Knowledge of relevant standards and certification/approval processes.
• Clear technical communication and documentation skills.
• Experience leading delivery, mentoring engineers, and engaging clients.
• Commercial awareness and stakeholder management capability.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on design.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.