Principal Mechanical Engineer

Xaar plc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Cambridge is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer. This role involves leading mechanical development for new products, managing design specifications, and ensuring compliance with standards. The qualified individual will possess at least 10 years of experience in high-tech product development, a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and proficiency in SolidWorks. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as a commitment to delivering quality mechanical solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-tech product development.
• Full lifecycle product development experience required.
• Strong background in diverse manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Define design requirements and ensure seamless integration.
• Produce detailed assembly drawings and specifications.
• Lead the testing of mechanical sub-systems and resolve issues.

Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Detail-Oriented

Team Collaboration

Flexibility

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

FEA

PLM systems

MRP software

Job description

Inkjet Innovator. Trusted Partner. Sustainable Future. Xaar is here to create a world where you can print anything you can imagine.

Xaar has defined 5 values which are vital to our business; each represents an area of essential importance to us. Their existence is intended to guide difficult decisions and shape behaviour.

Creative – we push the boundaries of what’s possible

Collaborative – everyone is a partner; we help each other freely and willingly

Innovative – we always strive to constantly improve

Integrity – we deliver on our promises

Passion – we care about our technology, our products, our partners and each other

Purpose of Role:

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a key member of our R&D team, responsible for delivering robust, thoroughly tested mechanical design solutions and leading mechanical development on new product projects.

Reporting to the Team Lead – Actuator & Mechanical, this role spans the full development lifecycle—from technical specification through design, verification, integration, and production.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across R&D, Manufacturing, Product Management, Sales & Marketing, and Customer Support.

The position is primarily based at Xaar’s R&D headquarters in Cambridge Research Park, Waterbeach, with regular travel to our Huntingdon facility.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with project teams to define design requirements (function, reliability, cost, serviceability) and ensure seamless integration.
• Provide accurate estimates and schedules for assigned tasks.
• Produce detailed assembly drawings, material specifications, machining tolerances, and assembly notes.
• Create bills of materials and source components cost-effectively.
• Obtain quotations for manufactured parts and manage vendor relationships.
• Lead the build, integration, and testing of mechanical sub-systems, including writing test specifications and resolving technical issues.
• Define cost-effective manufacturing techniques and mitigate technical risks.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory standards and product requirements.
• Deliver mechanical new product developments on time and to quality standards.
• Support product integration, acceptance testing, and early-life issue resolution.
• Assist in preparing technical manuals and training materials.
• Provide technical support to customers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in product development and manufacturing within high‑tech R&D environments.
• Degree (BEng/MEng/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD, FEA, PLM systems, and/MRP software.
• Full lifecycle product development experience—from concept to end‑of‑life.
• Expertise in diverse manufacturing techniques (CNC, sheet metal, moulding, casting, additive manufacturing).
• Strong materials and processing knowledge.
• Experience with electro‑mechanical system design, packaging, and integration.
• Skilled in motion systems design (mechanisms, motors, bearings, rails).
• Knowledge of fluid handling, pneumatic systems, and safe machine design.
• Experience in ergonomics and human interaction design.
• Development of alignment tools, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, and design for serviceability.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills and experience with FMEA, risk assessment, and rapid prototyping.
• Direct experience of design of Inkjet Print Systems.

Skills & behaviours:

• Excellent communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Comfortable working in small, focused teams under tight deadlines.
• Reliable, conscientious, and detail‑oriented.
• Able to work autonomously and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Creative, proactive, and enthusiastic.
• Strong numerical and analytical approach to problem‑solving.
• Flexible and adaptable with a “whatever it takes” attitude.
• Customer‑focused and commercially aware.
• Experience in high‑tech SME environments.

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