ABL careers

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Talent

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Air Bearings Limited (ABL) are a world leading innovative manufacturer of air bearing solutions, used across the engineering spectrum; whilst we are based in Ferndown (Dorset), we provide real world solutions globally.

We design and manufacture high precision air bearing spindles that can run up to speeds of 400,000 RPM.

Over 90% of our complete production process, from concept design through to the finished product, is completed in-house at our factory in Ferndown, Dorset.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join us at a busy and exciting time; This is a permanent, full-time position, working within a friendly and supportive team.

What ABL will offer you?

  • Salary is Dependent on Experience
  • Monday- Friday (38 hours per week, early finish on Fridays!)
  • Competitive Pension Scheme (9% company contribution)
  • 190 hours plus bank/public holidays (equivalent to 33 days)
  • Flexible Start Times
  • Long Service Holidays
  • Life Assurance Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Free Parking
  • Sick Pay
  • External Training Opportunities
  • Flexible starting times
  • Monthly Flexitime scheme
  • Fantastic career development and progression opportunities
  • A friendly and supportive environment to work in

About the Role:

What will the role involve?

  • To be proficient in the use of CFD, thermal and FEA tools particularly in the area of high-speed rotating machinery and to provide supporting evidence to design proposals through their use, refining designs in line with the results of theoretical analysis tools
  • To ensure the practical implementation of both theoretical and proven solutions in collaboration with the engineering, manufacturing, quality and procurement departments.
  • You will collaborate closely with the engineering, manufacturing, quality, and procurement teams, guiding the implementation of both innovative and proven solutions, ensuring that product development adheres to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
  • To work with ABL’s Engineering team in the development of new parts and products and to produce CAD models and develop outline and detailed design information.
  • To construct, maintain and review project management plans which define the ‘work breakdown structure’ required to complete development and new product introduction activities within agreed time schedules.
  • To take ownership of projects, monitoring and driving progress towards agreed completion targets, communicating issues as they arise to all relevant parties.
  • You will take a lead role in organizing and guiding cross-functional project teams, ensuring that ‘design for manufacture’ principles are effectively integrated. Your strategic input will ensure that tooling and resource requirements are clearly defined and addressed early in the process.
  • To be an Engineering representative within interdisciplinary project teams dealing with product developments or improvements.
  • You will oversee the investigation and resolution of customer and supplier issues, providing expert leadership in identifying root causes and ensuring that corrective and preventative actions are implemented across departments to prevent recurrence.
  • To work with assembly and quality departments to define assembly and test procedures, ensuring these are formally documented and revision controlled.
  • As a principal technical resource, you will offer strategic support to both internal teams and customers, ensuring that all solutions are technically robust and aligned with company objectives. You will be a go-to expert for complex technical challenges across departments.
  • To take an active role in the promotion of new and existing products to customers and agents.
  • Maintain frequent contact with customers, answering technical queries and defining requirements for new projects.

What will you require?

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is essential, desirably a postgraduate qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Significant understanding of machine manufacturing processes is essential.
  • Relevant experience in the use of and interpretation of results from CFD and FEA is essential.
  • Experience of leading project teams is desirable.
  • Previous experience of using Autodesk Inventor is desirable but experience of engineering drawings using 3D CAD software is essential.
  • Significant experience of working within formal configuration control systems is desirable
  • IT literacy to an intermediate level is essential.
  • Valid and Clean UK Driver’s License
  • Right to Work in the UK

Apply Today

If you are interested in any of our positions, or require further information, please apply or email our HR Manager Anoushka Dawson. HR@airbearings.co.uk

Air Bearings Ltd
Unit A Nimrod Way
East Dorset Trade Park
Ferndown, Dorset BH21 7HZ

+44 (0)1202 680 805

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