Principal Mechanical Engineer (OUTSIDE IR35)

Principal Mechanical Engineer / (Sheffield / Hybrid) / OUTSIDE IR35 / £negotiable

Ford & Stanley Interim are currently recruiting for an experienced and motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of complex mechanical lifting systems and associated equipment. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in mechanical engineering and a passion for delivering integrated, cross-disciplinary solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of mechanical lifting systems and heavy-duty handling equipment.
• Manage engineering activities across the full project lifecycle—from concept through to commissioning.
• Collaborate closely with Electrical, Controls, Software, and Safety (EC&I) teams to ensure cohesive system integration.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, engaging directly or via project management to define requirements and manage design changes.
• Ensure all designs meet commercial, contractual, and safety standards.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) processes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering practices and design methodologies.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in the design and development of mechanical lifting systems or similar heavy mechanical equipment.
• Strong mechanical system design expertise with a solid understanding of EC&I disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full engineering project lifecycle.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to assess the impact of design changes on project scope and cost.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience in client-facing roles.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Desirable

• Experience leading or supporting Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.

Likely Job Titles: Lead Mechanical Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Systems Engineer, Mechanical Design Lead, Engineering Project Lead, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Manager

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group is in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services – permanent and temporary.

Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions with specialist verticals within Digital, Rail Engineering, Civils & Infrastructure, General Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics both permanent and contract.

Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East and Europe.

Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance is always accelerated when good people are coached, inspired, trained and focused in the right way.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.