Quest Global
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Aerospace and Defence
Quest Global
At Quest Global, innovation isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about reshaping industries to build a better future. With 25+ years’ experience, we unite cutting-edge technology and diverse talent with an intentional culture that drives impact. Our mission is achieved through brilliant minds who transform challenges into breakthroughs—delivering solutions others see as impossible.
As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll lead high-complexity projects within Aerospace & Defence, blending technical expertise with strategic leadership to push boundaries in mechanical systems, transmission components, and marine engineering. You’ll guide teams, optimise processes, and elevate client satisfaction by delivering innovative, compliant, and award-winning designs.
About the Role
A Principal Mechanical Design Engineer in Aerospace & Defence is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimisation of mechanical systems, industrial machinery, and specialised components to exceed performance expectations. Key functions include:
- Translating concepts into high-quality prototypes, validating performance, and iterating for cost-efficient, scalable solutions.
- Driving continuous improvement—analysing inefficiencies, introducing robust methodology, and mitigating non-conformances.
- Managing cross-functional project delivery while adhering to industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
We seek a seasoned engineer—Driven by excellence, ownership of outcomes, and a commitment to shaping tomorrow’s advancements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide mentorship and coaching to junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical growth.
- Managing multiple concurrent projects of high complexity, ensuring on-time, compliant deliveries.
- Chair meetings and facilate cross-disciplinary collaboration, bridging gaps between mechanical engineering, industrial design, and client expectations.
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Technical Excellence
- Develop and execute mechanical designs for transmission systems, gears, marine applications, ensuring functionality within cost, schedule, and compliance constraints.
- Prototyping, testing, and optimisation—translating simulation data into tangible improvements.
- Debris design changes, tracking retrofit needs, and ensuring backward/forward compatibility.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Own internal and external design reviews, securing client acceptance through transparent communication and data-driven delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement, proactively correcting quality issues (non-conformances) and implementing preventive measures.
Strategic Influence & Collaboration
- Contribute engineering norms, methodological procedures, and capability-building best practices.
- Represent Technical Point (TPC) expertise in cross-functional forums, offering solutions for hard-to-direct problems.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Preferred: Chartered Engineer status (ICE, IMECHE, or equivalent).
- Proven experience in heavy engineering sectors or specialist component design (transmission, maritime, aviation).
Technical Proficiency
- Deep expertise in design of motion systems (e.g., transmission trains, gearboxes, marine applications).
- Proficiency in solid modelling (Solid Edge, Siemens NX, AutoCAD) and intelligent modification methodologies.
- Root cause analysis, failure mode mitigation, and CAPA processes— skillfully applied to reduce design-time risks.
- Resourceful in specifying clear designs across documentation (standards, calculations, specifications, P&IDs).
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Soft Skills & Operational Competencies
- Result-driven: Achievement defined by client satisfaction and planned delivery alignment.
- Facilitation skills: Experience in guiding design teams and interoperating across specialisations.
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments with unforeseen complexities.
What We Offer
At Quest Global, Our Values Are Supported by:
✔ Magical Culture: A pack mentality with work-life harmony—an environment where you belong and impacts career aspirations. ✔ Inclusive Leadership: Cultivating a diverse team where difference is cherished, and imagination is everyday. ✔ Impactful Work: Engineering trades that shape the aerospace industry. ✔ Career Growth: Leadership opportunities alongside high-impact projects—makings between resolutions and realities.
Why Join Us?
- Shape the future of Defence and Aerospace: Collaborate with futurists who solve challenges no other team dares.
- Strategic ownership: A high-impact role with visible tope-level influence.
- Professional support: Resources to continue your engineering growth through learning opportunities.
- Health, wellness, and inclusion: A balanced, people-first ethos—your whole self thrives here.
Only UK Nationals are eligible due to security constraints. If innovation sets you apart and you thrive under challenges, apply now.
Let’s engineer brilliance together. *Apply Now
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