At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
HR Wallingford’s Equipment, Technology and Innovation Group is a small to medium, high expertise team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities. With more than 70 years’ experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide
Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms.
More information about our product range can be found on our dedicated Website:
https://equipit.hrwallingford.com/
Alongside delivering word class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation’s growth in strategic markets.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer who will act as a technical lead on projects, working collaboratively with electrical and software engineers, as well as project managers, to deliver high-quality solutions to clients around the world.
Our equipment is highly specialised, so we provide comprehensive training and product familiarisation. We’re looking for candidates with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, ideally including experience with linear motion systems, precision rotating components, BS8888/GD&T, limits and fits, and design for manufacture. Experience in calibration and testing would be beneficial, but is not essential.
You’ll bring experience across the project lifecycle, with the ability to interpret requirements, develop engineering approaches, and contribute to solving complex technical challenges. The role also offers opportunities to test, prototype, and support installation and commissioning activities, so a practical, hands-on approach is valuable.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or take the next step in your career, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment, full training on our specialist systems, and opportunities for international travel.
Main duties include:
- Leading and reviewing engineering calculations and analysis to support design decisions and demonstrate system performance
- Participating in and leading design reviews, suggesting improvements to functionality, reliability, and manufacturability
- Empirical calculation of stress/strain and or Finite Element Analysis
- Experience modernising legacy engineering design in the field of electromechanical instrumentation systems or sound knowledge of contemporary instrumentation design and technology.
- Contributing ideas to enhance working practices, processes, and project delivery.
- Producing technical reports, specifications, and other technical documentation.
- Creating 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
- Reviewing and approving CAD models and drawings produced by colleagues
- Supporting overseas commissioning and validation activities where required.
Further information
- Download a full job description and person specification.
- Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
- Salary from £45 - £60k dependant on experience. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer hybrid working.
- The closing date for applications is 3 July 2026
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]
Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Skills Required
- Strong foundation in mechanical engineering
- Lead and review engineering calculations and analysis to support design decisions
- Perform empirical stress/strain calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Create 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings
- Review and approve CAD models and drawings produced by colleagues
- Experience across the project lifecycle, interpreting requirements and developing engineering approaches
- Work collaboratively with electrical and software engineers and project managers
- Support installation, commissioning and overseas validation activities
- Experience with linear motion systems
- Experience with precision rotating components
- Knowledge of BS8888/GD&T, limits and fits
- Design for manufacture experience
- Experience in calibration and testing
What We Do
HR Wallingford is an engineering and research organization focused on designing smart, resilient solutions for the water environment to promote sustainable living and working.
