Principal Electronics Engineer

Principal Electronics Engineer

West Sussex / Hybrid (3 days/week onsite)

£70,000 - £80,000 + bonus + benefits

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Electronics Engineer to provide technical leadership within a multidisciplinary team of approximately 15 engineers. This role will play a key part in guiding electronic and electrical design activities, contributing specialist knowledge to complex development programmes, supporting research and innovation initiatives, and mentoring engineers across the organisation.

This position combines both Electronics Engineering and Electrical Engineering expertise.

Electronics Engineering Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership in:

• Electronic circuit design and development
• Component selection and integration
• PCB design and manufacturing technologies
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
• Power management and distribution
• Servo and motion control systems
• Processor interfacing and embedded communications

Electrical Engineering Responsibilities

Provide expertise in:

• Power and signal transmission across wired systems
• Electrical architecture definition and review
• Power distribution and management strategies
• System wiring and harness design
• Manufacturing and production considerations

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Electronics Engineer, you will often lead strategically important programmes and serve as a recognised technical authority. You will champion engineering excellence, drive continuous improvement, and support innovation across both products and processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading major engineering projects from concept through to delivery.
• Establishing and promoting best practice engineering standards across the business.
• Identifying opportunities to improve engineering processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Acting as a subject matter expert in one or more technical disciplines.
• Supporting research and development activities that advance business capabilities and technology roadmaps.
• Providing technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects, ensuring robust systems thinking and effective delivery.
• Engaging with senior leadership, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to communicate technical solutions and project progress.
• Supporting business development activities, including bid preparation, proposals, and customer engagement.
• Contributing to strategic technology planning and capability development.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and support engineers at varying levels of experience.
• Assist with line management activities, including performance development, training, and technical coaching.
• Provide input into resource planning and capability development within engineering teams.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture focused on learning and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, accredited by the IET or equivalent.
• Typically 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience leading engineering projects and/or technical teams.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic system design.
• Experience conducting engineering analysis, including:
• Circuit simulation and modelling
• Performance analysis
• Power budgeting and allocation
• Ability to identify technical, schedule, and programme risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Broad understanding of the full product lifecycle, from concept and bid support through to manufacture and in-service support.
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills at PCB and system level, with the ability to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, colleagues, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and a structured, detail-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering challenges through analysis, persistence, and sound judgement.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Flexible, conscientious, and proactive approach to work.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally as required.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to perform effectively in dynamic project environments.

Work-Life Balance

• 37.5-hour working week
• Early finish on Fridays
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas shutdown period
• Holiday purchase scheme

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our customers work, successful applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance. As part of the vetting process, you will be required to provide evidence of your identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and a minimum of five years' UK residency.