Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite)
Salary: Competitive
Reporting to: CTO

The Company
TUAL is a VC-backed mobile charging business based at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire with global ambitions. The company is developing a hardware-as-a-service platform for commercial megafleets, deploying battery-integrated charging infrastructure designed to enable charging where grid capacity is limited.
Their pioneering PowerUp Charger delivers high-power charging for grid-constrained depots, remote sites and mobile applications.
As the business continues to grow, they are now looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to take ownership of the mechanical engineering function and help shape the next phase of product development.
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The Role
Reporting directly to the CTO, this is a key position within the engineering team where you will take responsibility for the mechanical design, development and delivery of the company’s charging hardware products.
You will own the mechanical engineering side of the product — from early concept through to production — covering areas such as enclosures, structures, cabinets, thermal systems and integration of power electronics and HV/LV systems.
Working within a fast-moving start-up environment, this role will suit someone who enjoys taking full ownership, establishing processes, and getting hands-on across a wide range of engineering challenges.
You will work closely with product, electrical and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet performance, cost, manufacturability and certification requirements as the product scales.
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Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Product Ownership
• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems and product architectures
• Take ownership of the mechanical engineering function and processes within the business
• Design and develop structures, enclosures, cabinets, and assemblies for charging infrastructure and power electronics systems
• Ensure products meet targets for performance, cost, manufacturability and reliability
Design & Development
• Produce detailed CAD models, drawings and documentation
• Select appropriate materials, manufacturing processes and components
• Develop and maintain DFMEAs and design documentation
• Support design validation, testing and prototype builds
Testing & Validation
• Support and run prototype builds and testing activities
• Investigate and resolve design and manufacturing challenges
• Analyse test results and refine designs accordingly
• Contribute to certification and compliance activities
Supplier & Manufacturing Support
• Work closely with suppliers on manufacturability, cost and design improvements
• Support RFQ/RFI processes and supplier selection
• Assist in transitioning designs into production
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Experience & Background
We are open to candidates from a range of industries where complex electromechanical products are developed. This could include:
• EV charging infrastructure
• Automotive / mobility
• Power electronics equipment
• Industrial products or machinery
• Switchgear, cabinets, enclosures or similar systems
You should bring:
• Strong mechanical design engineering experience
• Experience designing mechanical structures, enclosures or cabinet-type systems
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
• Experience working with power electronics, electrical systems or high-voltage equipment
• CAD proficiency and strong engineering fundamentals
• Experience supporting products through testing, validation and production release
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Personal Attributes
This role will suit someone who thrives in a hands-on, fast-growing engineering environment.
You are likely to be:
• Positive, engaged and proactive in your approach
• Comfortable taking ownership and responsibility for your work
• Adaptable and happy working across multiple areas of engineering
• Practical and solutions-focused when tackling problems
• Motivated by building and improving real-world products
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Additional Information
• Hybrid working – minimum 3 days onsite in Bicester
• Unfortunately visa sponsorship is not available
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Benefits
• Competitive salary
• 9-day working fortnight
• 20 days holiday plus public holidays
• Professional development budget
• Matched charity giving
• Profit share with potential for stock options
• Flexible working options