Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Machinery

Location: Manchester (On-site)

Salary: Up to £43,000

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Design Equipment That Gets Built, Installed and Put to Work

An established engineering specialist is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer with proven experience to support the design and development of complex fabricated equipment, machined components and mechanical assemblies for demanding industrial environments.

This is a hands-on, manufacturing-focused role offering involvement across the full engineering lifecycle, from concept development and site measurements through to manufacturing drawings, fabrication support, assembly and installation.

Working closely with an experienced workshop and manufacturing team, you will gain valuable exposure to real-world engineering projects while developing practical solutions that can be successfully manufactured and installed.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play an important role in the design and development of bespoke mechanical equipment and assemblies.

• Developing mechanical equipment and assemblies from concept through to manufacture.
• Producing 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Creating fabrication drawings for laser cutting, folding, welding and assembly.
• Designing machined components including shafts, housings, fixtures, brackets and mechanical assemblies.
• Applying engineering principles relating to tolerances, fits and manufacturing processes.
• Assisting with material selection based on application requirements and manufacturing considerations.
• Ensuring designs are practical, safe and suitable for manufacture.
• Working closely with fabricators, machinists and workshop personnel to support projects through production.
• Supporting reverse-engineering projects and design improvements to existing equipment.
• Attending customer sites when required to take measurements and assist with installations.
• Contributing ideas to improve product performance, reliability and manufacturing efficiency.You will ideally have:
• Mechanical design experience within manufacturing, special-purpose machinery, industrial equipment or a similar sector.
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings and assemblies.
• Good working knowledge of SolidWorks or a similar 3D CAD package.
• Understanding of design for manufacture and assembly principles.
• Experience with fabricated structures, sheet metal or machined components.
• Knowledge of tolerances, fits and general engineering standards.
• A practical approach to engineering design and problem-solving.
• The ability to work collaboratively with manufacturing and production teams.
• An HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.

Desirable Experience

• AutoCAD, DraftSight or similar 2D CAD software.
• Water, wastewater, process or industrial equipment design.
• Sheet metal, welded fabrication and machined component design.
• Site-based measurement, installation or commissioning work.
• Knowledge of stainless steel, mild steel and engineering plastics.
• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with both metric and imperial standards.

What Will Make You Successful?

• Strong attention to detail.
• A proactive and hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with workshop and production teams.
• A willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Why Apply?

• Work on bespoke engineering projects rather than repetitive product design.
• See your designs manufactured, assembled and installed in the field.
• Gain exposure to the complete engineering lifecycle.
• Work alongside experienced fabricators, machinists and engineers.
• Join a well-established and stable engineering business.
• Develop your technical skills and progress your engineering career.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package