Mechanical Senior Principal Engineer

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: YesRELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeWhat's Your Possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most - solving tomorrow's challenges and shaping the technology and solutions of the future. It's what we call Defining Possible.
This mindset goes beyond the solutions we deliver; it shapes your career development and the impact you can make within the community.
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it's a mission.
As a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will hold a key senior position within the Defence Operating Unit's engineering function. You will act as a technical expert and leader, guiding hardware engineers in the development of electro-mechanical products that are production-ready, robust and compliant with industry standards.
You will lead some of the most complex and critical projects, applying deep expertise in mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes and regulatory standards. You will influence technical strategy, develop people, improve processes and drive continuous improvement across engineering programmes.
Role Responsibilities
• Lead the design, development and delivery of mechanical products, ensuring they are optimised for manufacture and aligned to safety, security, maintainability and quality requirements.
• Provide technical leadership as the subject matter expert across mechanical engineering, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Independently deliver hardware artefacts, review complex technical documentation and drive solutions to highly technical challenges.
• Lead planning activities, estimate effort, monitor progress and ensure successful delivery against cost, time and quality targets.
• Review and assure the quality of mechanical deliverables across prototyping, testing and validation phases.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers, communicating complex issues and building trusted relationships.
• Mentor, coach and develop engineers across the operating unit to strengthen capability.
• Drive root-cause analysis, risk mitigation, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply up-to-date knowledge of standards, regulations, materials and manufacturing methods across aerospace and defence environments.
• Promote engineering excellence internally and externally through presentations, technical talks and engagement with industry.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, or extensive relevant experience.
• Significant experience in the defence, maritime or aerospace sector.
• Strong knowledge of defence mechanical design standards and regulations.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing engineering teams.