Mechanical Design Engineer

As Mechanical Design Engineer, you will report to the Engineering Manager and work closely with departments including Sales, Design, Purchasing and Production, as well as with suppliers and customers.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will generate 3D models and 2D drawings for new and existing products in accordance with specified standards. Working closely with departments and managers across the organisation, the role will support successful product delivery and wider business objectives.

As part of an employee-owned organisation, the successful candidate will share in the responsibilities and rewards of ownership. Employees are expected to:

• Take responsibility for delivering the right experience for customers and contributing to the profitability of the business.
• Work collaboratively as a team in line with the organisation's shared values.
• Take opportunities to develop professionally, support colleagues and maintain an appropriate balance between work and personal priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical

• Create 3D models, 2D drawings, electro-mechanical schematics, assemblies and Bills of Materials for new products, components and sub-assemblies.
• Design sheet metal housings, assemblies, mounting systems, fan guards, cooling arrangements, cable routing and mechanical packaging.
• Assist with the creation of 3D model illustrations and animations for departments including Sales, Service and Training.
• Apply knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes and appropriate design techniques.
• Use software and mathematical models to analyse and validate mechanical designs against stress, load and thermal requirements.
• Assist with the procurement of mechanical components and collaborate with other teams.
• Support prototype manufacture, builds, testing and validation.
• Set up mechanical tests and record and document design performance.
• Maintain engineering records, technical reports and part libraries in line with company quality processes.
• Support the Engineering team with the transition to SolidWorks and the implementation of a new ERP system.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, including IP ratings, EMC and seismic requirements.
• Maintain libraries and version control for standard parts.
• Support the modularisation and standardisation of assemblies and sub-assemblies.
• Maintain product drawings within 3D CAD and ERP systems.
• Work closely with Purchasing and suppliers on cost reduction and second-sourcing activities.
• Support the Engineering Manager with continuous improvement and cost reduction projects.
• Ensure parts used within drawings remain current by liaising with suppliers and maintaining supporting documentation within the ERP system.
• Eliminate engineering errors through clash-detection techniques.
• Identify requirements relating to EMC, signal segregation and heat flow to support manufacture.
• Apply an understanding of cable routing, bend radius and standard looms.
• Create Bills of Materials and routings to support timely procurement and accurate margin analysis.
• Support the Engineering team with drawings, manuals and other technical documentation required for product delivery and service.

Document Systems

• Maintain drawing standards in accordance with the relevant published standards at the time of creation, including border, drawing-title and graphical-symbol standards.
• Maintain and update the company drawing register.
• Maintain and monitor the continuous improvement worksheet.
• Follow engineering processes for change management, version control and document release.

Quality, Health, Safety and Environment

• Maintain quality standards within engineering processes.
• Maintain health and safety standards within the working area.
• Maintain environmental standards within the working area.

Key Performance Indicator

• Support the Engineering team in achieving company on-time delivery objectives.

Relevant Quality Standards

• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 14001:2015
• Internal quality standards and processes

QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Approximately three to five years of industrial mechanical or electro-mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience producing 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Experience designing fabricated sheet metal cabinets, housings or assemblies.
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes, including laser cutting, punch pressing, folding and assembly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Excel and Word.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Electrical and electronic engineering knowledge.
• AutoCAD or Eplan experience.
• Working knowledge of single-phase and three-phase AC systems.
• Working knowledge of DC systems, including 24V, 48V, 110V and 220V systems operating at currents of up to 350A.
• Knowledge of EMC best practice, including wiring-panel layout and signal segregation.
• Knowledge of thermal management, FMEA, stress analysis and load analysis.
• Knowledge of materials selection, paint processes and corrosion protection.
• Experience designing outdoor or IP-rated products.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, turned parts, bushes and stand-offs.
• Knowledge of IEC 61439.
• Knowledge of switchgear applications and standards.

SKILLS

• SolidWorks.
• AutoCAD, including 2D and 3D.
• 3D modelling and 2D drawing creation.
• Microsoft 365, including Excel, Word and Teams.
• Good numerical skills.
• Ability to interpret customer and industry specifications, including BS and IEC standards.
• Project management skills would be advantageous.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Able to learn independently.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively with external customers and suppliers.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.