Job Title:  Lead/Principal Mechanical Engineer

Business Unit

Established in 1886, Taylor Hobson is the world leader in surface and form metrology and developed the first Roundness and Surface Finish measuring instruments.

We provide contact and non-contact measurement solutions for the most demanding applications on a global basis, with a worldwide infrastructure to support our clients; we are a truly global ultra-precision metrology company.

We are pioneers, continually developing our products to meet the ever-increasing demands of next generation technologies, particularly in Optics, Bearings, Space, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy technologies.

Taylor Hobson's world leading brands include: Talyrond®, Form Talysurf® PGI, Form Talysurf® i-Series, Surtronic®, LUPHOScan, Formalysurf® PGI Optics, Talyvel®, Autocollimators, Micro-Alignment Telescope and AMECare.

Taylor Hobson is part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. which is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.

Website: www.taylor-hobson.com

Position Summary

Based in Leicester and reporting directly to the Technical Director & Divisional VP, the Principal Mechanical Engineer will provide lead mechanical expertise in the design and manufacture of Taylor Hobson’s next generation products.

Your Background

• Strong Senior Mechanical Engineer looking for the next step up with some experience managing a small team OR a Principal Mechanical Engineer seeking a new challenge.
• Enjoys working on complex, multi-discipline projects. Must be hands on whilst also managing a small team.
• Ideally from the following sectors: mechatronics, precision mechanisms, motion control, precision machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for the mechanical performance, suitability for manufacture and overall mechanical safety (Machinery Directive) of Taylor Hobson Products

• Run a mechanical/small multi-disciplined team to develop the next NPD target. Team size will fluctuate depending on projects and may include external contractors.
• Lead mechanical design reviews on current and adjacent projects and provide guidance to solve problems and keep NPD project disciplines in focus
• Coach senior mechanical engineers through skills growth and increasing project responsibility
• Recruit student placements with a view to growing the talent pool within the business
• Support the Technical Director & Divisional VP on strategic technology developments to feed current and future opportunities

Requirements for Consideration

Required Essential Skills:

• Enthusiasm, with a strong interest in implementing technology to solve real world problems
• Ability to work in a matrix structure in a cross-functional team developing, training/mentoring and appraising staff
• Proficient in the application of Finite Element Analysis to engineering developments – including stiffness/vibration analysis
• Demonstrate thorough analytical skills, reinforced with practical problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to conceive, visualize, and engineer complex mechanical systems quickly.
• Ability to identify when external mechanical expertise is required, or when a challenge requires rethinking. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills, both internally and externally with customer exposure.

Proficient in the use of the following tools

• CAD (at least on one of the following: SW, NX. Catia, ProE)
• Application of an FEA package to engineering developments – including stiffness/vibration analysis
• MS Office or similar 
• Some applied experience with math package e.g MATLAB, Mathematica.
• Fundamentally passionate about technology

Desirable Skills:

• Multi-disciplined with outline understanding of electrical, electronics and software design issues. (Control systems)
• Proven direct customer experience, particularly on challenging, customised products, working to a tight budget and timescale
• Working knowledge of German desirable (not essential)

Required Personal Attributes:

• Confidence and intelligence to assume technical lead and run several engineers underpinned with sound engineering knowledge.
• Analytical and decisive with a constant desire to learn and impart knowledge for a common goal.
• Understands why technology-driven people get out of bed in the morning to come to work!

Qualifications or Relevant Work Experience

• Good Degree Level education in Mechanical Engineering/Physics or equivalent with at least 5 years’ experience in Senior Mechanical Engineer/Design Lead/Principal Engineer* role from concept through to end-to-end product life cycle.

• Sound knowledge with proven track record of manufacturing engineering, materials, methods, processes and quality systems

*precision engineering role desirable but not essential

Future Development Opportunities (Possible Next Role)

Coachable with potential for technical management within 2 years.

What we offer you

• A fun, relaxed and supportive working environment.
• 1pm Friday finish.
• Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas.
• Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson.
• Generous matched pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Option to join private health plan.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business.
• Mentoring and guidance for accreditation.
• Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about.
• Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party.
• Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.
• Employee referral scheme of £1000
• Cycle to work scheme.
• An inclusive workforce.
• Free onsite parking, electric charging points and easy access to the city centre.