Principal Mechanical Engineer

We're looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of world‑leading electro‑optical products used in autonomous tracking and drone interception systems.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges with creativity, rigour and teamwork. You’ll take ownership across the full product lifecycle - from initial concepts and CAD modelling to verification, testing and iteration - working closely with our electronics and software teams to bring new products to life.

Open Works is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra‑high performance, real‑time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high‑profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

We're afraid we're unable to sponsor a visa for this post.

• Salary from £70k depending upon experience
• Flexible working options available. We recognise the commitment and care of our team in making Open Works the success that it is and understand that life and work don’t always fit neatly into set hours so we're happy to consider flexible working arrangements
• Relocation package available (within UK only)
• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays (+ long‑service bonus days)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch served daily by Chef Mark and his team
• Private health care insurance
• Death in service cover to protect those close to you
• EV car scheme
• Pension scheme (matched employer contribution)
• Social fund for team gatherings
• Free eye tests and £75 towards a pair of glasses per prescription change
• A high‑energy and agile work environment, based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside
• A positive company culture - we enable change, encourage challenge and demonstrate commitment

In your first few months with us, your priorities will include becoming fluent with Autodesk Inventor and our internal design practices, building strong working relationships across the wider engineering team and developing a solid understanding of the Defence Standards relevant to the testing and verification of our products.

• Lead the design, development, verification and implementation of technically innovative and commercially competitive new products

• Take ownership of the maintenance and improvement of existing products to enhance quality, improve production efficiency and reduce costs

• Produce and maintain high‑quality technical documentation, including CAD drawings, design calculations, BOMs, costing data and test reports

• Mentor and support other mechanical engineers, helping to grow skills and uphold engineering best practice across the team

• Set and monitor engineering standards, ensuring consistent processes and high‑quality output across projects

• Attend and contribute to design reviews across the full product portfolio

• Multi‑task effectively, balancing your own design and development work with supporting others and reviewing wider project work

• Quickly develop fluency in Autodesk Inventor and Open Works’ design and documentation practices

• A 2:1 or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering

• Significant professional experience in product design and development, ideally in a complex, high‑spec environment

• Expertise in 3D CAD (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and FEA (ideally Ansys)

• Excellent attention to detail

• Skilled in creative problem solving and structured engineering processes

• Able to manage time effectively and work autonomously

• Comfortable mentoring others and contributing to a positive, collaborative engineering environment

• Strong self‑awareness and adaptable…