Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Vector Recruitment
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Last month
£60,000 – £80,000 pa

Salary

£60,000 – £80,000 pa

Seniority
Lead
Posted
7 Apr 2026 (Last month)

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Next‑Generation Medical Devices)

Location: Cambridge Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 + Excellent Benefits Contact: Adam Mayne – (url removed) – (phone number removed)

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Opportunity

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 of Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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/DFA

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

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