Principal Electronics Engineer

Chess Dynamics; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - GBP 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Horsham is seeking a Principal Electronics Engineer to lead design efforts and mentor less experienced engineers. The role demands deep expertise in electronics and electrical engineering, with responsibilities encompassing project leadership and stakeholder communication. Ideal candidates will have strong educational backgrounds, relevant experience, and the ability to drive innovation. The position offers hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Group pension plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Excellent development opportunities

Health Cash Plan

Reward platform for discounts

Qualifications

• Typically, 10 years relevant experience is expected.
• Solid understanding of electronics designs.
• Capable of fault finding at PCB or system level.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and set standards of good engineering practice.
• Communicate regularly with senior management and customers.
• Support development of bids and proposals.

Skills

Circuit design expertise

Leadership and supervision

Theoretical and practical electronics understanding

Project lifecycle awareness

Innovation-based engineering approaches

Communications skills

Experience with PCB design tools

Education

Strong degree in a related discipline accredited by the IET

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Altium

Cadence OrCAD

Job description

Overview

We currently require a Principal electronics engineer to help lead the electronics design within a team of 15 engineers, providing significant experience and insight to project development and act as a role model for less experienced engineers, engaging in substantial R&D developments and analytical research.

The role is anticipated to be a dual Electrical/Electronic function with the following definitions.

• Electronics Engineer providing expertise of circuit design, components, and PCB technology. Working in technology areas of EMC, Power Management, Servo Control, processor interfacing and communications.
• Electrical Engineer providing expertise in the realms of power and signal transmission over wired medium with ability to define and objectively review an overall architecture, including power management, system wiring and knowledge of production processes.

Key Responsibilities

The role will often include leading headline projects for the business and will be expected to set the standards of good engineering practice, leading by example, and often be seen as an expert in their given field. The Principal Engineer is expected to proactively review and enhance engineering processes, with inherent drive and passion for innovating all aspects of work.

The role will often include regularly communicate with senior management, directors and key customers, The principal engineer will often help support development of bids, proposals and acquisition of new business.

Typically, the Principal Electronics Engineer shall have demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following key areas along with a relentless drive to enhance the following areas, in addition to the core engineering role.

• Take a lead role in developing or enhancing technology within the business, providing subject matter expertise for technology areas and apply these to R&D development activities or projects.
• Take technical leadership of multi-disciplined projects, with ability to foster a culture a systematic approach while providing our customers with solutions.
• Take a line management supporting role to support other engineers as part of a smaller sub team overseeing development, training and support needs while providing key insights into resource planning of engineers working under them.

Skills & Experience

• Strong degree in a related discipline accredited by the IET. Typically, 10 years relevant experience expected.
• Significant experience of leading and supervising projects or people.
• Solid all-round theoretical and practical understanding of electronics designs
• Ability to complete analysis-based activities i.e. (circuit emulation, performance, or power budgets).
• Ability to highlight key project risks, schedules, mitigations and identify critical design activities.
• Overall awareness of the full project lifecycle ranging from bids through to continuing customer support.
• A proven track record of innovation-based approaches to all aspects of engineering/leadership.
• Ability to investigate and fault find technical problems at PCB or system level, with capability to identify root cause or procedural reforms.
• Likely to be a Chartered Engineer.
• Experience leading, managing, or mentoring engineers
• Experience of EMC to military standards, with ability to manage, plan and resolve issues at an architecture and embedded level
• Knowledge of Motors and drive technology with ability to calculate motor performance
• Awareness of control systems analysis and performance techniques with ability to articulate these to fellow engineers/Stakeholders
• Familiar with management tools such as JIRA, Confluence, MS Project
• Practised in the use and management of PCB design tools such as Altium, Cadence OrCAD
• Familiar with design resilience techniques such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis.
• Awareness of Lightning Direct and Indirect Effects.
• Familiar with the design of electronics within harsh environments typical with Military equipment

Personal Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience interacting with Customers and Colleagues at all levels, with practised ability to build effective professional relationships with key stakeholders.
• Highly organised and methodical with an eye for detail.
• Track record of demonstrating courage by tackling unique design challenges with diligence, endurance and nerve.
• Can demonstrate Integrity, with a track record for achieving what they say, when they say while ensuring a flexible, conscientious, and diligent attitude.
• Willingness on occasion to travel to customer/Supplier sites, including international travel.
• A resilient and adaptable approach

Work life balance

• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the additionof mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
• Regular sports and social activities
• Health Cash Plan
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.