Principal Mechanical Engineer

Taylor Hobson is seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a leading role within our world‑class Research & Development team. This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of ultra‑high‑precision engineering, developing innovative technologies that operate at nanometre‑level accuracy.

In this role, you will take ownership of complex mechanical designs from concept through to production, solve challenging engineering problems, and provide leadership to small, highly skilled teams. You will have real influence over product direction, technical standards, and the way new technologies are brought to market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of robust concept and detailed design solutions


• Investigate, analyse, and resolve complex mechanical design issues


• Lead and actively participate in design reviews


• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and contractors


• Deliver projects to agreed schedule and cost targets


• Ensure designs meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements

Requirements for Consideration:

• Proven ability to work within and lead cross‑functional, matrix‑based teams, including developing, mentoring, and appraising staff


• Demonstrated experience leading small teams (typically 3–5 engineers) to deliver opto‑electro‑mechanical solutions to time and budget


• Strong analytical capability combined with practical problem‑solving skills and a high level of attention to detail


• Ability to rapidly conceive, visualise, and engineer complex mechanical systems


• Sound understanding of systems engineering principles, including drives and control systems


• Ability to recognise when external specialist support is required or when an alternative technical approach is needed


• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage both internally and with customers


• Proficient in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), including stiffness and vibration analysis

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree‑ or Master’s‑level qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior or principal mechanical engineering role delivering products through the full development lifecycle


• Proven experience leading and mentoring small design teams


• Strong knowledge and practical experience of manufacturing engineering, materials, processes, and quality systems


• Proficiency in at least one major CAD system (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or Pro-Engineer) and associated PDM systems


• Working knowledge of drives and control systems


• Competent user of MS Office (or equivalent)


• Some experience using mathematical or analytical tools such as MATLAB or Mathematica


• A fundamental passion for engineering and technology

*Experience in precision engineering is desirable but not essential.

What Taylor Hobson offers you:

• A multi-disciplined environment with opportunities to learn with like-minded colleagues


• 1pm Friday finish


• Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas


• Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson


• Generous matched pension scheme


• Life assurance


• Option to join private health plan


• Enhanced maternity pay


• We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business


• Mentoring and guidance for accreditation


• Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about


• Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party


• Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.


• Employee referral scheme of £1000


• Cycle to work scheme


• An inclusive workforce


• Free onsite parking, electric charging points and easy access to the city centre.

Business Unit:

• Established in 1886, Taylor Hobson is the world leader in surface and form metrology and developed the first Roundness and Surface Finish measuring instruments.


• We provide contact and non-contact measurement solutions for the most demanding applications on a global basis, with a worldwide infrastructure to support our clients; we are a truly global ultra-precision metrology company.


• We are pioneers, continually developing our products to meet the ever-increasing demands of next generation technologies, particularly in Optics, Bearings, Space, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy technologies.


• Taylor Hobson's world leading brands include: Talyrond®, Form Talysurf® PGI, Form Talysurf® i-Series, Surtronic®, LUPHOScan, Formalysurf® PGI Optics, Talyvel®, Autocollimators, Micro-Alignment Telescope and AMECare.


• Taylor Hobson is part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. which is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.


• Website: www.taylor-hobson.com