Principal Mechanical Development Engineer (Fluid Systems) - #1735915

Overview

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, build, test, and consultancy services to clients across the Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Built Environment, and Chemical Process industries, both in the UK and internationally. We deliver support across the full development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility through to detailed design, performance verification, and testing.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Principal Mechanical Development Engineer (Fluid Systems) to join our team, with the primary place of work being either our Bristol – Quayside or Bristol – Bradley Stoke offices. This role supports projects delivered at our Cotswold Airport Hot and Cold Fuel Test Facility — a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind site supporting advanced aerospace propulsion and sustainable aviation technologies.

This senior role is ideal for an engineer with deep technical expertise in mechanical systems involving fluid mechanics, thermal and structural performance, instrumentation, and systems integration. You’ll be at the forefront of ground-breaking development and testing programmes — leading the design, development, and delivery of bespoke high-performance systems from first principles to operational readiness.

As an Engineer at Element Digital Engineering, you are first and foremost a Consultant. This role demands a combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and a proactive, adaptable mindset to support a wide range of clients and project types. You’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative consultancy environment where your contribution supports both technical outcomes and broader business success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle design and development of bespoke mechanical and fluid systems — including tubular and pressure-containing systems, instrumentation, electrical power equipment, and supporting structures
• Take full ownership of requirements-based design processes, including requirements capture, traceability, verification planning, and compliance evidence generation
• Develop technical specifications, test strategies, plans, and procedures to support project and client objectives.
• Conduct or oversee mechanical, thermal, and fluid-dynamic calculations, ensuring system performance meets demanding aerospace and industrial requirements.
• Define and lead the integration of new systems with existing infrastructure — ensuring mechanical, electrical, and data compatibility and safety.
• Prepare high-quality technical deliverables including schematics, P&IDs, bills of materials, assembly instructions, and test documentation.
• Lead technical aspects of project delivery — setting direction for other engineers, approving technical work, and ensuring outcomes meet both internal standards and client expectations.
• Collaborate across disciplines (electrical, systems, test) to deliver complete, high-functioning solutions.
• Lead or contribute to formal project phases including Test Readiness Reviews, Design Reviews, and client technical discussions.
• Actively support business development, including leading project bids, client meetings, and technical sales activities.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and sharing new processes, methods, and tools within the business.ct as a technical mentor and line manager to junior engineers and project staff.
• Support client account growth and contribute to long-term strategic development of technical capability.
• Support testing activities at Digital Engineering test facilities (travel reimbursed)
  
  

Skills / Qualifications

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field); higher degree or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status strongly preferred
• Extensive (8+ years) experience in the design, development, and delivery of fluid mechanical systems in demanding industrial or R&D environments.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary projects involving complex mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems.
• Deep understanding of fluid system design including pressure drop, flow, heat transfer, system dynamics, and structural integrity.
• Strong familiarity with instrumentation strategy — including pressure, temperature, and flow measurement — and associated control/data systems.
• Experience producing and approving engineering documentation (e.g. schematics, BOMs, test procedures, compliance matrices).
• Demonstrated understanding of systems engineering principles including requirements capture, V&V, and compliance demonstration.
• Hands-on experience with tools for CAD, simulation (e.g. FEA/CFD), and design analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience leading and mentoring engineering teams.
• Proven track record in consultancy or client-facing engineering roles, including leading proposals, engaging with customers, and representing technical work externally. ience in the aerospace, sustainable propulsion, or energy sectors.
  
  

Benefits

Smarter Working / Bonus Plan / 25 Days annual leave + 8 days Bank Holidays / Private Healthcare / Life Insurance / Free Refreshments & Snacks

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.