Job Title:  Principal Engineer

Summary

The role is in the Engineering department, reporting into the Engineering Manager.  The Principal Engineer/Technical Specialist will be responsible for a team of engineers that provide technical assessment, analysis and data review for space projects throughout the project lifecycle.  This team will comprise of 2-3 Senior Engineers that report directly to the Principal Engineer/Technical Specialist; each Senior Engineer then has a team of 3-4 Junior Project Engineers and Project Engineers.
The role will provide expert support in mechanical performance to customer funded battery projects, technical guidance to the mechanical aspects of cell qualification and testing, and be responsible for internal development projects within the area of mechanical performance.  The Principal Engineer/Technical Specialist will use their knowledge to improve the products and processes, provide expertise to support customer enquiries, and support the training of more junior engineers.
The candidate must have a mechanical engineering background, with experience in structural analysis and vibration testing.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Expert on the mechanical performance of ABSL Li-ion batteries
Structural analysis
Vibration and shock testing of cells/batteries
Analysis of the effect of vibration/shock profiles on batteries for specific customer funded projects
Expert guidance on vibration and shock testing for cell qualification and lot acceptance testing 

Managing cost reduction and improvement projects within area of specialisation

Responsible for training more junior engineers in area of specialisation, through:
Training courses
Mentoring

Providing expert technical support to engineering and proposal teams for:
Proposal production
Customer enquiries
Technical troubleshooting

Review of work by other engineers, e.g. mechanical analysis reports, test procedures/reports
Responsible for the Engineering process management documentation relating to mechanical performance

Team management tasks
Timesheets/absence monitoring/annual leave etc for direct reports
Career development and training plans for direct reports and team
Setting of goals/objectives and performing appraisals

Planning/Delivery
Supports the review of engineering hours in projects/bids  
Supports Senior Engineers in work package definition
Accountable for on time and on quality technical solutions delivered by the team

Qualification

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or similar STEM subject

Experience

Experience as a technically responsible engineer on customer facing projects in a highly regulated industry, e.g. aerospace
Previous experience working in mechanical design, vibration and shock testing, and/or structural analysis (preferably FEMAP and NASTRAN)
Demonstrable high level of IT skills for data analysis, modelling and reporting 
Programming experience for data manipulation and modelling
Methodical approach to testing and organisation to maintain traceability, avoid errors and validate work performed
Experience in experimental/test work and data analysis
Experience in reviewing and constructively criticising analytical results, technical reports and documents 
Experience in mentoring and developing others 
An ability to work in a multi-project environment; to effectively prioritise and work to detailed scheduled plans and tight deadlines
Excellent people skills; be a proven team worker but with an ability to work independently
An ability to delegate tasks and support team members working on multiple projects 
Time management, problem solving, and strong organisation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
An enthusiasm for innovative designs, developments and ideas 

Skills and Competencies

Experience working in aerospace, military or similar industry
Knowledge and understanding of ECSS standards
Experience working with space industry primes, agencies and end users
Familiarity with Hazard analysis and FMECA