Principal Design & Development Engineer

Manufacturing Equipment and Machinery - Electrical, Industrial and Automation

A Principal Design & Development Engineer is required to join an international Electrical, Industrial and Automation Company that is expanding their product development team. The Principal Design & Development Engineer will be responsible for leading the design and development of a wide range of standard and special purpose automation machinery for industry.

The Principal Design & Development Engineer will take the design lead on new product development projects, delivering solutions and implementing cutting edge technology that will help advance our market leading equipment, as well as supporting continuous improvement activities on our existing range.

The Principal Design & Development Engineer will assist the Product Development Manager in coaching engineers to develop their design and development skills and support their continued professional development. The Principal Design & Development Engineer will report to the Product Development Manager.

Key Duties and Responsibilities for the Principal Design & Development Engineer

• Lead mechanical design and development of standard and special purpose machinery.
• Support all aspects of new product development from initiation to delivery.
• Write and negotiate requirements with stakeholders.
• Ensure the designs fully comply with machine specifications and applicable safety regulations.
• Execute risk assessments on product designs and test environments.
• Lead and support design reviews for all development projects.
• Write and execute prototype test plans.
• Identify and report design and project risks to the Product Development Manager.
• Create engineering component and GA drawings for manufacture and assembly.
• Work with operations, manufacturing, and production engineers through product development.
• Report progress to the Product Development Manager and Technical Director.
• Create technical reports and documentation.
• Lead onsite customer installation and testing of 1st off products as required.
• Coach and support Mechanical Engineers in design and development techniques and departmental processes and engineering good practice.
• Maintain an interest in new and emerging technologies, proposing opportunities as they arise.
• Ensure compliance to departmental and company processes.
• Undertake additional tasks or duties requested by management which are reasonably within your capabilities to support the wider business.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required for the Principal Design & Development Engineer

• Engineering degree or relevant apprenticeship.
• Years of experience in a design engineering role and/or design of special purpose machinery.
• Experienced in leading product development projects.
• Experience in supporting planning and budgeting of development projects desirable.
• Experience in the full development life cycle, blank paper to production.
• Production of detailed drawings and geometrical tolerancing.
• Strong CAD skills (preferably SolidWorks) and hands-on experience with build and test.
• Excellent communicator, both written and verbal with excellent presenting skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and effective time and task management skills.
• Confident, proactive character, with an ability and desire to take the lead in challenging situations.
• Ability to make persuasive technical arguments to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• A team player, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.
• Full passport required with ability to travel internationally for occasional customer visits.