Quality jobs in United Kingdom

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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