Principal Mechanical Engineer - Equipment & Technology

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.

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

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 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 test, prototype, and support 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.

Main duties include:

• 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.

Further information

• Download a full job description and person specification.
• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
• Salary from £45 - £60k dependant on experience. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer hybrid working.
• The closing date for applications is 3 July 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.