Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to join our engineering team, designing bespoke food depositors, volumetric dosing systems and automated production equipment.
Reporting to the Design & Development Manager, you will be responsible for the design and technical delivery of projects from initial concept through to manufacture. Working closely with Production, Procurement and Project Management, you will ensure designs are practical to manufacture, meet customer requirements and are delivered on time.
As one of the senior members of the design team, you will provide technical support to other designers, review design work where required and help maintain high engineering standards across the department. Although this is not a people management role, you will be expected to lead by example and share your knowledge and experience with the wider team.
Key Responsibilities
Product Design
- Design bespoke food processing and automation equipment, including depositors, filling systems, conveyors and associated equipment.
- Produce 3D models, manufacturing drawings and bills of materials using SolidWorks.
- Develop practical engineering solutions that are reliable, cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, project budgets and agreed delivery timescales.
Technical Support
- Act as the lead designer on allocated projects.
- Provide day-to-day technical support and guidance to Mechanical Designers and Junior Designers.
- Review drawings before release to manufacture and ensure they comply with company standards.
- Support the Design & Development Manager in maintaining design procedures and engineering standards.
Manufacturing Support
- Work closely with Production, Fabrication and Machining to ensure designs are suitable for manufacture.
- Resolve technical queries during manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
- Apply Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
Project Delivery
- Manage the design activities for several projects at the same time.
- Attend customer and internal project meetings where technical input is required.
- Support Procurement with technical information and component selection.
- Provide engineering support during installation and commissioning when required.
Documentation & Compliance
- Produce accurate engineering documentation in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintain drawing revisions, engineering change records and bills of materials.
- Support compliance with UKCA/CE Machinery Regulations and relevant industry standards where applicable.
Requirements
Experience
- At least five years' experience in a mechanical design role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience designing bespoke machinery or automated equipment.
- Previous experience within food processing, packaging or special-purpose machinery would be an advantage.
Qualifications
- HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent engineering qualification.
Software
- Strong SolidWorks experience.
- Experience producing manufacturing drawings and bills of materials.
- Experience of AutoCAD and PDM systems would be beneficial.
Technical Knowledge
- Good understanding of fabrication, machining, sheet metal and mechanical assembly.
- Knowledge of pneumatic systems and mechanical power transmission.
- Understanding of hygienic design and food industry standards would be advantageous.
Skills
- Good engineering judgement and problem-solving ability.
- Able to manage workload across multiple projects.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
- Commercial awareness and attention to detail.
Personal Attributes
- Practical and hands-on approach to engineering.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
- Willing to support and develop less experienced members of the team.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Committed to delivering quality work and meeting project deadlines.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
