Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Next‑Generation Medical Devices)
Location: Cambridge Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 + Excellent Benefits Contact: Adam Mayne – adam.mayne@vrl.co.uk – 01234 823373
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