Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, development and continuous improvement of mechanical systems and components for large rotating electrical machinery, supporting new equipment, upgrades, refurbishment and life extension projects.

Working across the full project lifecycle, the role provides engineering expertise from concept design and tendering through manufacture, testing, commissioning and in-service support. The Mechanical Design Engineer will also undertake diagnostic investigations, failure analysis and reliability assessments to deliver innovative, practical and commercially effective engineering solutions for customers.

Working collaboratively with customers, project managers, manufacturing teams and fellow engineers, the role plays a key part in delivering technically robust, safe and high-quality engineering solutions.

Reports To: Head of Engineering

Key Responsibilities & Accountability

Mechanical Design & Development

• Design mechanical components and systems for large rotating machinery, including stator and rotor assemblies and complete machines.
• Develop mechanical designs for new build equipment, upgrades, and retrofit solutions.
• Produce detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and design documentation for complex components.
• Ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in internal design reviews and peer reviews.
• Review and approve engineering calculations and drawings where authorised.

Engineering Analysis & Simulation

• Complete stress analysis of components using analytical methods and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Interpret simulation results and provide design improvements or corrective actions.
• Support design validation through engineering calculations and technical justification.

Diagnostics, Failure Investigation & Life Assessment

• Undertake diagnostic assessments of machinery condition prior to failure.
• Conduct root cause analysis of failed mechanical systems and components.
• Contribute to life assessment studies and reliability evaluations of machinery.
• Produce technical reports and engineering recommendations based on findings.

Testing & Validation

• Develop test methodologies and procedures for dynamic testing of large machines.
• Support testing activities and analyse test data to validate mechanical performance.
• Contribute to the preparation of test reports and evaluation documentation.

Project Engineering & Client Support

• Participate in engineering activities across all phases of projects, including customer-facing technical discussions.
• Provide technical input during tendering and bid preparation activities.
• Support project management teams by delivering engineering outputs to agreed timescales and specifications.
• Provide technical oversight support from project award through to completion.

Manufacturing & Production Support

• Support manufacturing teams with design clarification, technical queries, and engineering problem-solving.
• Ensure designs are suitable for manufacture and assembly.
• Assist in resolving production and assembly issues related to mechanical design.
• Contribute to manufacturing process documentation where required.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure mechanical designs comply with contractual requirements, industry standards, and internal quality systems.
• Support the preparation of FMEAs, build records, and manufacturing documentation.
• Contribute to quality control activities and technical compliance verification.

Service & Technical Support

• Provide engineering support for service and maintenance activities.
• Assist with field-based investigations and technical problem resolution where required.
• Support improvements to equipment reliability and maintainability based on in-service feedback.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree (BEng or MEng) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience designing mechanical systems within rotating machinery, power generation, heavy engineering or similar industries.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo or Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience undertaking engineering calculations and finite element analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methods, tolerancing and mechanical assemblies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and multidisciplinary teams