MERITUS Talent are working with one of Europe''s leading defence systems manufacturers for the recruitment of a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their Stevenage office on a 12 Month contract basis. The rate on offer is £50 per hour INSIDE IR35, and requires the candidate to be onsite full-time. Before starting the role, the candidate must undergo and attain SC security clearance.Job Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Stevenage (on-site) Rate: £50 per hour (via umbrella) Contract: 12 Months Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain UK SC clearanceA leading defence engineering organisation is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Stevenage. In this role, you''ll be working on the mechanical design of complex systems, contributing to high-profile defence projects within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment.What you''ll be doing:Creating and developing 3D designs of components and assemblies using CreoSupporting the transition from design to manufacturing, resolving technical queries as neededAssisting in functional and environmental testing to ensure designs meet performance requirementsLiaising with suppliers and internal purchasing teams to address design or build challengesPlanning and managing your own tasks in line with project deadlines and reporting requirementsReviewing and refining technical requirements to reduce cost, complexity and lead timeKey skills and experience:Proficient in Creo 3D CAD s