Our client, a leading player in the Defence and Security sector, is currently seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team on a contract basis. The role involves collaborating with functional teams to develop products that meet customer requirements and engaging in cutting-edge research of novel mechanical technologies.Key Responsibilities:Carry out Mechanical Design and proving activities for prime and variant products, including piece parts and assemblies.Support and liaise with manufacturing, resolving problems and defects.Support functional and environmental testing and trials.Communicate with suppliers and purchasing to resolve technical queries.Plan and report on day-to-day activities to meet project milestones.Gain clarification of and generate requirements, challenging extraneous requirements to reduce lead time, cost, and design complexity.Job Requirements:Experience using Creo 3D design tool.Understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerance studies, and environmental tests.Knowledge of mass property calculations, material selection, and FMEA.Experience with Design for Manufacture/Assembly and Environmental Gasket Sealing.Proficiency in tooling/fixtures design and structural design.Familiarity with Defence Standards and review processes.Understanding of product lifecycles and industrial validation.Ability to work as part of a multifunctional engineering team and participate in or host design reviews.Appreciation of other engineering areas and d