Design Engineer | Senior Design Engineer - Mechanical in Newton Aycliffe

• DESIGN ENGINEER /OR SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER - Automation
• COMPANY DESCRIPTION, PROFILE AND SCOPE OF ROLE

Our client is an established, award-winning, and growing automation and engineering business specialising in advanced collaborative automation solutions.

Possessing a strong set of core values, their family-owned culture, teamwork, and business ethics are at the root of their success.

They design, manufacture, and integrate bespoke automation systems—such as palletising, welding, and machine tending—to help UK manufacturers scale their production capacity and efficiency.

*** This role has no direct reports but can offer a Senior Design Engineer title depending on experience.

This is due to the requirement for a high level of design engineering competency, combined with the ability to work autonomously, manage your own project workload, and lead designs from initial concept through to manufacture and installation.

You will be working closely with production, controls, and sales teams throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in Solid Works 3D CAD, with a strong background in industrial automation, robotics, or special-purpose machinery.

• KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Concept to Manufacture: Lead the mechanical design of robotic cells, custom fixtures, structures, and bespoke End of Arm Tooling (EOAT).
• Apply DFMA Principles: Optimise designs for practical, cost-effective manufacture, assembly, installation, and long-term reliability.
• Project Engineering: Create complete manufacturing drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly documentation, and track technical specifications.
• Data Governance: Work within Product Data Management (PDM) systems and maintain strict engineering change and revision control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support the workshop and installation teams during assembly, testing, and on-site customer commissioning.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring critical milestones are delivered on time.
• Safety Standards: Integrate industrial robot safety requirements (CE/UKCA machinery safety standards) into automation applications.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

ESSENTIAL

• Education: HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent heavy industry experience).
• Experience: Proven design engineering experience specifically within industrial automation, robotics, or special-purpose machinery.
• CAD Mastery: Strong proficiency in Solid Works and 3D CAD design, including producing clear engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Technical Skill: Experience selecting and integrating mechanical, pneumatic, and vacuum components into automation systems.
• Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to convey technical information clearly to customers and internal teams.
• Licence: Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites when required.

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience in a senior or lead design engineering role.
• Experience implementing or administering a Solid Works PDM system.
• Hands-on experience working specifically with collaborative robot (cobot) systems.
• Knowledge of FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and cost-estimation principles.
• NB: Candidate must be able to drive and have a full UK driving licence
• DETAILS OF PACKAGE

Up to £55,000 PA (Depending on experience) + Benefits / 39 Hour week: 8 to 5 Monday to Thursday / 8 to 1 Friday (Some flexibility around core Hours (by agreement)) / Good training and career development opportunity with a strong, established and growing business. / Fuel allowance for staff commuting in excess of 40 miles per day