Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location: Cambridge
Department: R&D Actuator & Mechanical
Level: IC5
About Xaar
Inkjet Innovator. Trusted Partner. Sustainable Future. Xaar is here to create a world where you can print anything you can imagine.
For more information, visit www.xaar.com.
Xaar Values:
Xaar has defined 5 values which are vital to our business; each represents an area of essential importance to us. Their existence is intended to guide difficult decisions and shape behaviour.
Creative – we push the boundaries of what’s possible
Collaborative – everyone is a partner; we help each other freely and willingly
Innovative – we always strive to constantly improve
Integrity – we deliver on our promises
Passion – we care about our technology, our products, our partners and each other
Purpose of Role:
The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a key member of our R&D team, responsible for delivering robust, thoroughly tested mechanical design solutions and leading mechanical development on new product projects.
Reporting to the Team Lead – Actuator & Mechanical, this role spans the full development lifecycle—from technical specification through design, verification, integration, and production.
You will collaborate closely with colleagues across R&D, Manufacturing, Product Management, Sales & Marketing, and Customer Support.
The position is primarily based at Xaar’s R&D headquarters in Cambridge Research Park, Waterbeach, with regular travel to our Huntingdon facility.
Key Accountabilities:
· Collaborate with project teams to define design requirements (function, reliability, cost, serviceability) and ensure seamless integration.
· Provide accurate estimates and schedules for assigned tasks.
· Produce detailed assembly drawings, material specifications, machining tolerances, and assembly notes.
· Create bills of materials and source components cost-effectively.
· Obtain quotations for manufactured parts and manage vendor relationships.
· Lead the build, integration, and testing of mechanical sub-systems, including writing test specifications and resolving technical issues.
· Define cost-effective manufacturing techniques and mitigate technical risks.
· Ensure compliance with mandatory standards and product requirements.
· Deliver mechanical new product developments on time and to quality standards.
· Support product integration, acceptance testing, and early-life issue resolution.
· Assist in preparing technical manuals and training materials.
· Provide technical support to customers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Essential Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications:
· Minimum 10 years’ experience in product development and manufacturing within high-tech R&D environments.
· Degree (BEng/MEng/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
· Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD, FEA, PLM systems, and Office/MRP software.
· Full lifecycle product development experience—from concept to end-of-life.
· Expertise in diverse manufacturing techniques (CNC, sheet metal, moulding, casting, additive manufacturing).
· Strong materials and processing knowledge.
· Experience with electro-mechanical system design, packaging, and integration.
· Skilled in motion systems design (mechanisms, motors, bearings, rails).
· Knowledge of fluid handling, pneumatic systems, and safe machine design.
· Experience in ergonomics and human interaction design.
· Development of alignment tools, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
· Familiarity with DFM, DFA, and design for serviceability.
· Strong analytical problem-solving skills and experience with FMEA, risk assessment, and rapid prototyping.
Desirable:
· Direct experience of design of Inkjet Print Systems.
Skills & behaviours:
· Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
· Comfortable working in small, focused teams under tight deadlines.
· Reliable, conscientious, and detail-oriented.
· Able to work autonomously and manage multiple tasks effectively.
· Creative, proactive, and enthusiastic.
· Strong numerical and analytical approach to problem-solving.
· Flexible and adaptable with a “whatever it takes” attitude.
· Customer-focused and commercially aware.
· Experience in high-tech SME environments.
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