Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer (Contract)Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight (on-site required, particularly during initial period)Rate: Up to 60/hr PAYE / 81.05/hr Umbrella (Inside IR35)Duration: Initial 6 months (extension potential)Security: SC clearance mandatory (or ability to obtain UK SC Clearance) We are supporting a leading defence organisation with the hire of a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer to join a specialist team delivering complex phased array radar systems. This contract opportunity is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight and requires a strong Systems Engineering professional who can provide technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle. The successful candidate will apply Systems Engineering principles from requirements definition through system integration, verification and validation, customer acceptance, and ongoing product evolution. The role involves analysing performance data from modelled and real-world systems, managing design trade-offs, and developing robust system or sub-system solutions to meet functional and performance objectives. On-site requirement / Cowes locationThe preference is full-time on-site in Cowes. Candidates based elsewhere may be considered where a strong skill match is demonstrated; however, non-local hires will typically be expected to complete an initial immersion/training period of at least three months in Cowes. This approach supports effective onboarding, close collaboration with engineering stakeholders, ..... full job details .....