ABOUT US
Hi Spec Manufacturing (HSM) is the attachment division of Midland Steel Traders Ltd, a well-established UK business in Birtley, County Durham. HSM designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of excavator buckets and attachments, covering everything from small excavators for construction to the largest mining and dredging machines.
We're a growing division with an expanding product range and we're now looking for a Junior Design Engineer to join our design department and help us keep pace with that growth.
THE ROLE
This is a hands-on design role working within a small, focused team. You'll be involved from the outset in the design and development of excavator buckets and attachments, working to real-world engineering briefs and liaising with our sales and manufacturing departments. It's an excellent opportunity to build genuine commercial design experience quickly, with real products that go into the field.
Day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Creating and modifying 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks
- Adapting and iterating existing designs for new applications
- Developing new bucket and attachment designs when required
- Reviewing and interpreting OEM and manufacturer specifications
- Supporting design validation and quality control processes
- Liaising with our sales and manufacturing teams.
- Contributing to product documentation, BOM creation, and design records
- Assisting with technical queries and supporting the wider commercial team
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential:
- Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrable SolidWorks experience — whether through university projects, a placement, personal work, or previous employment.
- Strong spatial reasoning and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- A self-starter attitude — you're motivated, curious, and want to get stuck in
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to design work
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small team
Desirable (not essential — we'll help you develop these):
- Experience with welded steel fabrication design or knowledge of structural steelwork
- Familiarity with excavator attachments, or construction / mining equipment
- Understanding of manufacturing processes (cutting, forming, welding, machining)
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for someone with the right attitude as much as the right qualifications. You’ll be enthusiastic about design, keen to learn, take pride in the work you produce. You’ll be comfortable working as part of a team, and be willing to get involved across all aspects of the role.
Some commercial experience is preferred but not essential – Were happy to develop the right person.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Salary of £30,000+, commensurate with experience
- Reporting directly to the Senior Design Engineer within a small, focused team
- A real design role with genuine responsibility from day one
- Mentoring and structured support to help you develop quickly
- Exposure to a full product development cycle — concept through to manufactured product
- A stable, established business with a track record and a growing product range
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
