Fuel Systems Design Engineer
CAD / Mechanical Design
Location: Brackley, Northamptonshire
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Working Pattern: On-site initially, with the potential for hybrid working in the future
About Proflex
Proflex Advanced Technology UK Ltd is a specialist manufacturer of flexible fuel tanks and fuel system solutions, supplying customers across motorsport, UAV, marine, automotive, defence and aviation applications.
Based in Brackley, Northamptonshire, at the heart of the UK's renowned Motorsport Valley, we operate in a fast-paced, project-led engineering and manufacturing environment where precision, creativity and practical technical understanding all matter.
We are looking for a Fuel Systems Design Engineer to join our small design team and play an important role in taking customer requirements from initial concept through to manufacture.
This is not purely a desk-based CAD role.
You will work with physical components, vehicles and fuel tank structures; take measurements; reverse engineer existing installations; create 3D models and manufacturing drawings; produce prototype models; and work directly with our Production team to turn your designs into finished products.
You'll also communicate directly with customers, helping them develop practical fuel system solutions for some extremely interesting applications.
Put simply, we need someone who can make sure a design not only looks right on screen but works when made.
The Role
Working as part of our Design team, you will be responsible for translating customer briefs, drawings, CAD data and existing installations into technically feasible fuel tank and fuel system designs.
You will work closely with our customers and our internal Sales and Production teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable and practical to install.
Projects vary considerably in size and complexity, so the ability to manage several live projects at different stages is an important part of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate customer briefs and design concepts into practical, technically feasible fuel tank solutions.
- Reverse engineer existing and legacy fuel tanks and fuel system installations to produce replacement designs.
- Interpret customer-supplied engineering drawings, CAD models and technical data.
- Accurately measure fuel tank containers, chassis, structures and associated components using equipment ranging from steel rules and digital callipers through to our FARO measuring arm.
- Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models of fuel tanks and associated hardware.
- Develop complex tank geometries and produce the flat-pattern panels and templates required for manufacture.
- Produce detailed engineering drawings for machined, fabricated and manufactured components.
- Create physical card prototype models to confirm size, shape and fit before designs are released into production.
- Liaise directly with customers to clarify technical requirements, resolve design issues and obtain design approval.
- Work closely with our Production team to identify potential manufacturing issues and improve designs for ease of manufacture.
- Support Production with technical problem-solving and design improvements.
- Advise customers on fuel tank geometry, internal fuel systems and associated components alongside our Sales team.
- Undertake customer and site visits when required to measure installations or discuss technical requirements.
- Manage design revisions, engineering changes and project timescales across multiple live projects.
- Create and maintain part numbers and product information within our MRPeasy MRP system.
- Contribute ideas and practical solutions as part of our wider engineering and manufacturing team.
Qualifications & Experience
We are interested in applicants from a variety of engineering backgrounds.
Ideally, you will have one or more of the following:
- An HNC/HND in Mechanical, Manufacturing or General Engineering.
- A relevant engineering apprenticeship.
- A mechanical, manufacturing or design engineering qualification.
- Equivalent practical experience gained within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
Formal qualifications are valuable, but relevant practical engineering experience and ability are equally important to us.
Skills We're Looking For
You should have:
- Strong 2D and/or 3D CAD experience.
- A good practical understanding of engineering and manufacturing.
- The ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical information accurately.
- Good spatial awareness and the ability to visualise how complex 3D shapes translate into manufactured components.
- A practical understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and installation constraints.
- The ability to identify potential design or manufacturing problems before they become costly issues.
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to your work.
- A practical, solutions-driven mindset.
- Confidence communicating directly with customers as well as colleagues in Sales, Design and Production.
- The ability to manage several projects concurrently and adapt priorities when required.
- A genuine willingness to work as part of a team and recognise that useful engineering input can come from people at every level of the business.
CAD & Software
Our principal CAD packages are AutoCAD and Autodesk Fusion.
Experience with these systems would be advantageous, although applicants with strong experience using other 2D/3D CAD packages are encouraged to apply.
You should also be comfortable using:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
Previous experience with MRP/ERP systems would be beneficial but is not essential, as training will be provided.
Beneficial Experience
Experience in any of the following areas would be particularly useful, although it is not essential:
- Mechanical design
- Manufacturing engineering
- Fabrication or sheet metalwork
- CNC machining
- Automotive or motorsport engineering
- Aerospace or aviation
- Fuel systems
- Reverse engineering
- Prototype development
- 3D measurement or FARO equipment
- Low-volume or bespoke manufacturing
We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy the practical side of engineering and want to see the products they design actually being manufactured.
Training & Development
Fuel tank design is a specialist field, and we do not expect applicants to arrive with previous fuel tank design experience.
Training will be provided in our products, materials, manufacturing methods and fuel system design requirements.
For the right person, there will also be opportunities to develop your technical knowledge and take on increasingly complex engineering projects as your experience grows.
Working Arrangements
This is initially a full-time, permanent, on-site position based at our facility in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Because of the hands-on nature of the role and the need to work closely with Production, a significant on-site presence is essential. However, some hybrid working may be available in the future once the successful applicant is fully trained and established within the role.
Occasional customer visits may be required.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business-use insurance would therefore be advantageous but are not essential.
Salary Including Benefits
- Salary £28,000 to £35,000pa, depending on technical expertise and industry track record
- 40 hours per week
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company Pension Scheme
· Discretionary Annual bonus
- 28 days’ annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
- Statutory sick pay
- Free uniform
- PPE Provided
- Free parking on Company premises
- Bright Exchange
- Reimbursement of work expenses
- Discount for personal purchases
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
08:00–16:30
8-hour day shift
No regular evening or weekend shifts.
Right to Work
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Proflex Advanced Technology UK Ltd is currently unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.
If you require reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Proflex Advanced Technology UK Ltd
Specialist manufacturers of flexible fuel tanks and liquid containment systems
Closing Date for Applications
18 September 2026
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
