Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer An exciting opportunity has arisen in Clevedon (Somerset) for a Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer to join the world leader in developing and manufacturing exhaust management systems which help to reduce the greenhouse gases produced during the manufacturing of microchips. Mission Reporting to the Mechanical Design Engineering Manager, this role primarily delivers best practice mechanical engineering of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and includes direct responsibility for leading a team of engineers. Operationally, the role will span from concept to customer commissioning and field trials, through the application of best working practices, to ensure solutions are safe and compliant by design, delivered on time, within budget, and to specification, working closely with internal and external key stakeholders, team leaders, project managers, manufacturing, service, and customer representatives. Main Responsibilities Lead, guide, and motivate a team of approximately six mechanical engineers. Ensure the assigned team works cohesively and collaborates effectively toward successful project milestones through to completion, using SMART objectives within annual development plans, and monitoring via regular and timely 1:1s with direct reports. Advocate and lead the adoption of best practice mechanical engineering to improve the delivery of the engineering function to time, cost, quality, and specification, whilst ensuring the appropriate level of effective technical governance is in place for safety, compliance, quality, and reliability. Devise and distribute work packages, often across multiple cross-functional teams, guiding the project toward a successful passage through project milestones through to completion and volume production. Ensure mechanical engineering of product development meets stakeholder and product requirements and is compliant with relevant regulations, directives, and standards, by design. Drawing on your extensive experience, offer expert advice to other engineers, including supporting the training and development of engineers through formal and informal mentoring, effective professional development plans, and including where applicable professional registration, to become efficient and highly effective mechanical engineers as part of a growing and vibrant talent pool. Experience & Skills Bachelor's Mechanical Engineering Degree (Essential), Master's (Desirable), or demonstrable equivalent. Registered Chartered Engineer, or working towards and committed to achieving registration with a recognized engineering institution (Desirable). Accreditation and/or formal qualifications in Functional Safety (Desirable). Substantial experience in mechanical engineering and design in a relatable engineering industry (Essential). Experience and understanding of working in a regulated, compliance-driven industry including a strong understanding of product safety and compliance to applicable standards (Essential). i.e., EN 61511; Safety and design review methods, e.g., PHA, HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA. Experience in designing and developing products through the V curve or similar product development lifecycle (Essential). Preparedness to undertake further professional development including through training courses and the like, to increase your knowledge and enhance your capabilities (Essential). Experience in design for x principles (x being manufacture, cost, assembly, maintainability, etc.) (Essential). Good levels of integrity with a results-driven mindset, able to hold self and others accountable (Essential). Able to demonstrate knowledge of best-practice engineering (Essential). Understands key technical deliverables and requirements and can report concisely to engineers, project managers, and the wider project team (Essential). A willing, helpful attitude, a calm professional manner, and the ability to assess priorities and deal with issues on a regular basis, displaying a clear, rational, and analytical approach to problem-solving and planning, able to adapt to changing requirements and priorities (Essential). Remains calm under pressure, demonstrates resilience, and is able to reach out to more experienced peers to find creative and pragmatic solutions to seemingly intractable problems (Essential). Willing to look for/explore new solutions or methods, practical problem-solving skills (Essential). Awareness and understanding of cultural differences with the ability to adapt accordingly and communicate effectively in English both in writing and orally (Essential). The company offers a range of benefits such as: Flexible working 25 days holiday (excluding Bank Holidays) Bonus up to 7.5% of annual salary Pension with a company contribution of up to 8% Life Assurance of 4 x basic salary Cash health plan Fitness App with streamable classes & discounted membership with some gyms Thriving Wellbeing Program (supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, social connectedness, and sense of purpose, including clubs such as cycling, caving, football, STEM network plus a multitude of various events) Wellbeing and prayer room Private express room available for new parents Recognition and Reward programme Career development opportunities including apprenticeships, mentoring scheme, and more Support or sponsorship for formal qualifications and professional development like CEng, CIPS & CIPD Free parking Subsidised canteen Charity and volunteering days We are open to both Full-Time and Part-Time applicants. We are diverse by nature and inclusive by choice. We recognize that bright ideas come from all of us. We embrace our different experiences and perspectives to create an inclusive, safe, and innovative culture where everyone has a sense of belonging and purpose. Our aim is to encourage more diversity in our workplace. We have a comprehensive suite of family-ready policies, including flexible working, shared parental leave, a private express room for new parents, and a fertility policy. We are proud to partner with InnovateHer, an organization dedicated to championing diversity and empowering young people in tech. Together, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and inspiring the next generation of innovators. You can read more about InnovateHer here