Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Sunbury (UK)

Quality at the heart of everything we do. FT Technologies is a market-leading SME based in Surrey and Madrid, specialising in designing and manufacturing ultrasonic wind sensors – also known as anemometers or air-flow sensors. FT ultrasonic wind sensors are unique because we use acoustic resonance to measure wind speed, direction, and temperature using an acoustic wave resonated inside a small cavity. The wind energy industry is growing, and FT is growing with it; this is your place if you care about sustainability and the green revolution. In the last decade, we have tripled in size. We employ around 100 brilliant minds who contribute to our mission: to engineer invention through curiosity and creativity using our core technology.

The development of our current technology will enable us to serve our existing customers in wind energy better. The invention of new products and manufacturing technology, with significant company investment and growth, will offer our wind sensors' unique strengths to meteorology, marine and defence customers.

Responsible to the Director of R&D. Key contacts include the Engineering team members, Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Customers. Located in Sunbury-on-Thames (Hybrid optional) 40 hours per week (Flexi-time).

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• As part of the Engineering Team, your responsibilities will include:
• Mechanical Design

• Write requirements, systems, designs, and technical specifications based on input from engineering, sales, or operations.
• Evaluate technical solutions, implement design solutions and evaluate their effectiveness and risks for wider system design.
• Create DFMEA for Mechanical Design and provide inputs and support DFMEA for other disciplines.
• Consider corrosion, weathering and material degradation and deploy defensive measures.
• Develop prototypes through an iterative lifecycle of design, 3D printing and CNC machining.
• Develop and conduct design verification and qualification tests, evaluate experimental results against theoretical designs, produce test reports, and recommend modifications based on prototype test results.
• Test SOPs using the company's environmental chambers or wind tunnel.
• Consider manufacturability, cost, and commercial issues when introducing products and changes.
• Oversee the procurement, manufacturing and testing of designed parts.
• Develop and maintain mechanical CAD drawings and 3D models for existing and new products.
• Ensure designs meet stringent quality, safety and environmental standards.
• Identify and propose continuous improvements to the design, manufacturing, assembly and supply chain of parts and products.
• Within the remit of product history knowledge, investigate faults on returned products that are provided to Engineering for troubleshooting to identify design weaknesses and propose improvements.

• Contribute to the conceptual stage of design, research and development.
• Conduct research in thermal modelling, stress & fatigue modelling and FEA.
• Work with colleagues in acoustics, aerodynamics, materials and electronics to assess the impact of mechanical design on system performance.
• Apply problem-solving approaches and engineering theory to project challenges.

• Project manage and deliver specific NPD projects (or sub-projects) led by mechanical design.
• Provide estimates and progress reports on work breakdown structures, tasks and timelines for self-managed and NPD projects for Mechanical Design projects.
• Provide advice and guidance on the project management of mechanical activities to other engineers as required.

• Ensure the quality control of Mechanical Design outputs through drawings, documentation, validation, review, approval and release in line with the Product Development Lifecycle and configuration management with SolidWorks and Windchill.
• Support the quality control and continuous improvement of released mechanical parts and assemblies to meet customer requirements and deadlines.
• Seek to continuously improve the Mechanical Design procedure's development guidelines and design control.

Skills, Ability and Experience (Essential)

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Solid and practical experience of mechanical design engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Evidence of innovative approach and ability to engender ideas.
• Proven ability to contribute substantively to every stage of a project, from the initial brief through to the testing of design.
• Ability to create reasonable quality freehand drawings to convey ideas.
• Knowledge of 2D drawing conventions.
• In-depth knowledge of 3D mechanical CAD technology.
• Ability to develop a good understanding of end-user requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel and Word.
• Critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Technical report writing.

Personal Qualities

We’re looking for quality-focused individuals with an excellent analytical and problem-solving approach, a conscientious mindset, and the capacity to develop a good understanding of end-user requirements and your role's impact on the overall business objectives. Due to the nature of the projects, you must be able to work independently and as a team player, working cross-functionally with other departments; strong communication (both verbal and written) and organisation are key.

Why work with us?

As well as a competitive salary, we offer:

• Non-contributory pension plan, 9% company contribution.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Private health care plan.
• Optional hybrid working pattern of one day per week from home OR 3 additional days holiday per annum (role dependent).
• 24 days holiday per annum, increasing to 25 days after one year’s service, plus all bank and public holidays.
• Flexi-time for days worked in the office.
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme.
• Travel schemes: Season ticket or Cycle-to-work.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Sponsored professional study support.