Principal Mechanical Engineer
CV-LibraryBoltonpermanentPosted: 7 May 2026
Apply NowThe Principal Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership for Mechanical, Environmental & Vibration test.
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking.
Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.The opportunity:
The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for developing new test solutions and supporting existing ones, providing full test capabilities to operations. The role focusses on existing and new product requirements, developing and maintaining test capabilities, leading continuous improvement methodologies and providing key technical support to operations and engineering functions.
Knowledge of Environmental, Vibration & Mechanical test, calibration controls and equipment capabilities is critical, as well as the ability to work in cross functional teams and reporting to external stakeholders.
Key attributes include:
Mechanical test experience (i.e. pressure decay, helium leak test, friction test)
Experience in Environment & Vibration test - ideally Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)
Vibration analysis and profile development (use of DataPhysics or similar control SW)
Thermal profile development
Knowledge of PSSR 2000 including written scheme of examination.
Diagnosing and repairing faults on ESS and mechanical test equipment
Writing test & calibration instructions for operational staff
A working knowledge of thermal, vibration and mechanical test principles and test equipment
Preparation of Test Equipment Defining Specifications contributing to the design, procurement and commissioning of fully bespoke mechanical & pneumatic test facilities.What we're looking for from you:
Minimum HNC qualification in relevant field, HND or higher preferred.
Proven experience setting up test systems - Mechanical & Environmental test
Experience using investigation techniques & conducting route cause analysis
Technical report writing experience essential
SAP experience desirableOur company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
#LI-RM1
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking.
Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.The opportunity:
The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for developing new test solutions and supporting existing ones, providing full test capabilities to operations. The role focusses on existing and new product requirements, developing and maintaining test capabilities, leading continuous improvement methodologies and providing key technical support to operations and engineering functions.
Knowledge of Environmental, Vibration & Mechanical test, calibration controls and equipment capabilities is critical, as well as the ability to work in cross functional teams and reporting to external stakeholders.
Key attributes include:
Mechanical test experience (i.e. pressure decay, helium leak test, friction test)
Experience in Environment & Vibration test - ideally Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)
Vibration analysis and profile development (use of DataPhysics or similar control SW)
Thermal profile development
Knowledge of PSSR 2000 including written scheme of examination.
Diagnosing and repairing faults on ESS and mechanical test equipment
Writing test & calibration instructions for operational staff
A working knowledge of thermal, vibration and mechanical test principles and test equipment
Preparation of Test Equipment Defining Specifications contributing to the design, procurement and commissioning of fully bespoke mechanical & pneumatic test facilities.What we're looking for from you:
Minimum HNC qualification in relevant field, HND or higher preferred.
Proven experience setting up test systems - Mechanical & Environmental test
Experience using investigation techniques & conducting route cause analysis
Technical report writing experience essential
SAP experience desirableOur company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
#LI-RM1