Principal Mechanical Engineer - Equipment & Technology

HR Wallingford•Wallingford, CT

9h•$45,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water. HR Wallingford’s Equipment, Technology and Innovation Group is a small to medium, high expertise team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities. With more than 70 years’ experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide. Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms. Alongside delivering word class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation’s growth in strategic markets. We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer who will act as a technical lead on projects, working collaboratively with electrical and software engineers, as well as project managers, to deliver high-quality solutions to clients around the world. Our equipment is highly specialised, so we provide comprehensive training and product familiarisation. We’re looking for candidates with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, ideally including experience with areas such as linear motion systems, precision rotating components, BS8888 / GD&T, limits and fits, and design for manufacture. Experience in calibration and testing would be beneficial, but is not essential. You’ll bring experience across the project lifecycle, with the ability to interpret requirements, develop engineering approaches, and contribute to solving complex technical challenges. The role also offers opportunities to be involved in testing, prototyping, and supporting installation and commissioning activities, so a practical, hands-on approach is valuable. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or take the next step in your career, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment, full training on our specialist systems, and opportunities for international travel.

Requirements

Strong foundation in mechanical engineering
Experience with linear motion systems
Experience with precision rotating components
Experience with BS8888 / GD&T
Experience with limits and fits
Experience with design for manufacture
Experience across the project lifecycle
Ability to interpret requirements
Ability to develop engineering approaches
Ability to contribute to solving complex technical challenges
Practical, hands-on approach

Nice To Haves

Experience in calibration
Experience in testing

Responsibilities

Leading and reviewing engineering calculations and analysis to support design decisions and demonstrate system performance
Participating in and leading design reviews, suggesting improvements to functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
Contributing ideas to enhance working practices, processes, and project delivery.
Producing technical reports, specifications, and other technical documentation.
Creating 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
Reviewing and approving CAD models and drawings produced by colleagues
Supporting overseas commissioning and validation activities where required.