Mechanical Design Engineer in Bradford-on-Avon

About AB Dynamics

AB Dynamics is one of the world’s leading specialists in automotive test systems, supplying a range of advanced solutions including driving robots, ADAS soft crash targets and driving simulators to all major vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers globally. The company's unique technology is used for many applications including the development of autonomous vehicles.

Roles Overview

Working within AB Dynamics' Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Design Engineering team, the Mechanical Design Engineer will support the development of high-value, technically advanced products from concept through to production. The role involves working within multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering, contributing to the design and development of robotic systems for the Track Test Department and Kinematics and Compliance systems for the Lab Test Department. These products support OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers with research and development equipment for automotive development and testing.

Core Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of mechanical engineering solutions that meet specification, cost, quality and timescale requirements through design, development, testing and analysis activities.
• Support the preparation, analysis and presentation of concept designs in line with the established New Product Development (NPD) process.
• Produce detailed mechanical designs with consideration for design for manufacture (DFM), design for assembly (DFA) and product quality.
• Create engineering specifications and manufacturing drawings.
• Prepare supporting documentation including EBoMs, engineering calculations, test reports and FEA reports.
• Support validation and verification activities for new and existing products.
• Work closely with Manufacturing and Test & Calibration teams to help identify and resolve design, manufacturing and quality-related issues.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering discussions to drive continual product improvement.

What are we looking for?

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strong critical thinking skills and sound engineering judgement.
• Clear communication and the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Effective collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software and project engineering teams.
• Ownership, accountability and attention to detail in delivering engineering work.
• Creativity, innovation and the ability to manage technical risk.
• Enthusiasm for engineering and continuous learning.

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including knowledge of engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using CAD software to create and develop mechanical designs.
• Understanding of design, development, validation and product release processes.
• Experience using engineering analysis tools such as FEA or similar software would be advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound engineering judgement and the ability to manage technical risk.
• Ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and communicate technical information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Desirable

• A strong academic background in engineering, mathematics or physics.
• Experience working within a structured new product development environment.
• Experience in mechanical design engineering within a relevant industry.
• Familiarity with design for manufacture (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience supporting prototype build, testing and validation activities.
• Understanding of engineering documentation, drawing standards and configuration control processes.
• Experience contributing to design reviews, verification activities and engineering best practice.

Why join us?

We are part of the AB Dynamics Group, an innovative, dynamic listed business with a friendly and supportive working environment. In addition to competitive salaries, our attractive benefits package includes:

• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, which increases every 2 complete years up to a max of 32 days
• Up to 10% matched pension contributions, with option to salary exchange
• Private Medical Insurance – Family cover (Company funded benefit in kind)
• Life Assurance 6x salary
• Option to join Critical Illness Insurance, Dental Insurance and Health screening
• Income protection (Company funded)
• Enhanced parental leave
• EAP including mental, physical and financial wellbeing support
• Enhanced sick pay after 1 years’ service
• Volunteering days – up to 2 per year

At AB Dynamics Group we set ourselves ambitious objectives and strive to work according to our values of customers, people, diversity, innovation, excellence and responsibility. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We do not discriminate against staff based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We use AI to help us assess applications fairly and objectively.