At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in mechanical design and ensure high-quality project delivery.
- Company: Join a supportive manufacturing company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, early finishes, life assurance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mechanical design while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical design background and 3D CAD experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 52500 £ per year.
Location & Compensation
- County Derry, Northern Ireland
- Salary: Circa £50,000 (DOE)
- Work Hours: Full-Time – Monday to Thursday 8:00am–5:30pm, Friday 8:00am–12:00pm
- Closing Date: 29 May 2026
Team Leadership & Workload Management
- Manage and coordinate the daily workload of the Mechanical Design team
- Allocate work across engineers, CAD technicians, and apprentices
- Monitor project progress and elevate risks when required
- Mentor and develop team members, providing technical guidance
- Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and clear communication
Design Delivery
- Oversee mechanical design output across live projects
- Ensure designs meet project specifications, manufacturing capability, and internal standards
- Support development of switchgear assemblies, sheet metal components, copperwork and busbar systems, enclosures, doors, covers, gland plates, plinths, and related systems
- Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and suitable for shop floor assembly
- Review drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
Design Review & Quality Control
- Lead structured design reviews before release to manufacturing
- Ensure accuracy of 3D models, drawings, BOMs, and release packs
Standards & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain design standards and best practice
- Support standardisation of parts, assemblies, and drawings
- Improve processes including change control and release workflows
- Support use of Autodesk Inventor and Vault systems
- Contribute to cost reduction, efficiency, and product development
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as key engineering contact for manufacturing and internal teams
- Support resolution of design‑related production issues
- Collaborate with project management, procurement, and R&D
- Attend design, production, and project meetings
About You
Essential
- Strong background in mechanical design within manufacturing (e.g., switchgear, sheet metal, enclosures, machinery)
- Solid 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor)
- Experience producing and reviewing drawings, assemblies, and BOMs
- Strong understanding of design for manufacture (sheet metal, fabrication, assembly)
- Ability to lead, organise, and support a technical team
- Strong problem‑solving and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
- High attention to detail and focus on quality
Desirable
- Experience with Autodesk Vault or similar PDM systems
- Background in switchgear, power distribution, or electrical panels
- Experience improving design systems, standards, and processes
- Previous leadership or senior design experience
What's on Offer
- Early Friday finish (12:00pm)
- Life assurance (3× salary)
- Employer pension contribution (3%)
- Private medical insurance (family option available)
- Supportive and rewarding workplace culture
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Application Information
Please note: Applications can only be accepted from candidates who already hold the legal right to work in Northern Ireland.
Lead Mechanical Design Manager – Manufacturing employer: 3D Personnel LTD
Join a dynamic team in County Derry, Northern Ireland, where we prioritise a supportive and rewarding workplace culture. As a Lead Mechanical Design Manager, you will benefit from early finishes on Fridays, comprehensive life assurance, and a commitment to your professional development, all while leading a talented team in a collaborative environment that values innovation and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Design Manager – Manufacturing
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you chat with folks, the better your chances of landing that Lead Mechanical Design Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t hold back! Bring along a portfolio showcasing your best mechanical design projects. Let them see your 3D CAD skills and how you tackle design challenges head-on.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about your leadership style and how you manage teams. Be ready to discuss your experience with Autodesk Inventor and how you ensure quality in your designs.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about helping you find the right fit, so make sure your application stands out. We want to see how you can contribute to our culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Design Manager – Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Mechanical Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in mechanical design, especially in manufacturing, and showcase your 3D CAD skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role and our company culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others, managed workloads, and promoted accountability in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead a team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at 3D Personnel LTD
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design knowledge, especially in areas like switchgear and sheet metal. Familiarise yourself with Autodesk Inventor and be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've led and mentored others. Think about specific situations where you promoted accountability and clear communication within your team.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Understand the importance of structured design reviews. Be ready to talk about your experience in leading these reviews and how you ensure accuracy in 3D models, drawings, and BOMs before they go to manufacturing.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight any experiences you've had in improving design systems or processes. Discuss how you've contributed to cost reduction and efficiency in previous roles, as this will resonate well with their focus on standards and best practices.
