At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced mechanical systems for cutting-edge automotive technology.
- Company: Join AB Dynamics, a leader in automotive test systems with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, private medical cover, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the automotive industry while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Working within AB Dynamics’ Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Design Engineering team, the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will develop technologically complex, high-value products from concept through to production. The role involves working in multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering, with a particular focus on 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.
Core Responsibilities:
- Resolve complex mechanical engineering problems to specification, cost, quality and timescale through planning, specification, design, build, testing, and analysis.
- Prepare, analyse, and present concept designs in line with the established NPD process.
- Deliver detailed designs with a strong focus on design for manufacture, design for assembly and technical risk management.
- Create engineering specifications and manufacturing drawings.
- Prepare supporting documentation including EBoMs, engineering calculations, test reports, and FEA reports.
- Develop validation and verification test plans and support testing of new and existing products.
- Collaborate closely with Manufacturing and Test and Calibration teams to identify and resolve design, manufacturing, and quality issues.
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.
Essential:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Significant experience in mechanical design engineering, including delivery of complex mechanical and/or mechatronic systems in a relevant industry.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including knowledge of engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
- Experience taking designs from concept through detailed design, validation, and release.
- Experience using CAD, FEA, and/or other analytical software packages to support robust engineering decisions.
- 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.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and constructive input to other engineers.
Desirable:
- A strong academic background in engineering, mathematics, or physics.
- Experience working within a formal new product development process.
- Experience of automotive research and development equipment, robotics, or test systems.
- Experience contributing to design reviews, verification activities and engineering best practice.
- Experience supporting or mentoring other engineers.
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.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: AB Dynamics
AB Dynamics is an exceptional employer located in Bradford on Avon, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive benefits including a discretionary bonus scheme, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health insurance, ensuring that team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. Joining AB Dynamics means being part of a pioneering team at the forefront of automotive technology, where your contributions directly impact the development of cutting-edge solutions for the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like AB Dynamics.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like AB Dynamics love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of AB Dynamics and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for AB Dynamics and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at AB Dynamics
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at AB Dynamics.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at AB Dynamics.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with AB Dynamics, making you a more appealing candidate.