Principal Mechanical Engineer

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 and Technology Division 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.

More information about our product range can be found on our dedicated Website:

https://equipit.hrwallingford.com/

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.

About the role

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll be the lead engineer on projects, working closely with electrical and software engineers, as well as project managers, to ensure smooth and successful delivery of our solutions to clients around the world.

With our equipment being specialist, we provide product familiarisation and training, but experience of linear motion systems, precision rotating components, BS8888 / GD&T, limits and fits, and designing for manufacture is fundamental to the role. Experience of calibration and testing would be an advantage.

Successful applicants will have experience of the project lifecycle, showing an ability to develop requirements, create engineering plans to solve complex engineering problems and deliver optimised solutions.

The role also includes opportunities for testing, prototyping and overseeing the installation and commissioning of our equipment, for which the candidate will require a good hands-on approach.

Whether you're refining your skills or looking to grow into a more senior role, we offer a supportive environment, full training on our specialist systems, and opportunities to travel internationally.

Main duties include:

• Taking the lead in undertaking and reviewing engineering calculations and analysis to make decisions and demonstrate system performance
• Participate in, and lead design reviews, recommending design modifications to improve functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Provide feedback to improve working practices, processes, and project delivery.
• Producing technical reports, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Produce 3D CAD models and drawings for detailed design.
• Review and Approve CAD models and drawings for engineers
• Potential for overseas travel for commissioning and validation of our equipment..

Further information

• Download a full job description and person specification.
• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
• Salary from £55 - £65k dependant on experience.
• The closing date for applications is 2^nd March 2026

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.