At a Glance
- Tasks: Design bespoke mechanical equipment and lead complex engineering projects.
- Company: Leading engineering firm specialising in innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and technical autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a stable, well-established business.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on cutting-edge engineering projects that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience with 3D CAD, strong problem-solving skills, and project leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading engineering business specialising in providing cutting‑edge solutions across multiple sectors, including Gas Turbines, Acoustics, Nuclear, Defence, and Renewables. Their engineering team offers end‑to‑end support, from conceptual design to detailed manufacturing and installation. With a global presence, they supply innovative systems including exhausts, ventilation, and acoustic solutions to industries such as petrochemical, aerospace, and civil engineering. As they expand their operations and take on new global projects, they are seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join their team and support this exciting period of growth.
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key technical role within the design department, taking ownership of complex engineering projects while providing technical guidance and support to other members of the team. Working on bespoke engineered products, you will be involved throughout the complete design lifecycle, from concept generation and engineering calculations through to detailed manufacturing drawings, technical approvals and customer interaction.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing bespoke mechanical equipment and fabricated systems
- Producing detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings using Inventor
- Performing engineering calculations including structural, mechanical and stress analysis
- Producing technical reports and engineering documentation
- Attending customer meetings and carrying out site surveys
- Acting as a technical signatory, checking and approving engineering deliverables
- Leading projects from concept through to manufacture and installation
- Mentoring and supporting junior engineers
- Liaising with customers, suppliers and subcontractors throughout project delivery
- Supporting manufacturing and installation teams with technical expertise
The role offers a varied split between CAD design, engineering calculations, customer interaction and project leadership, with approximately 60% of your time spent producing 3D designs.
The successful candidate will have a strong technical background and be comfortable taking ownership of complex engineering projects within a heavy engineering environment. We're particularly interested in candidates who have:
- Previous experience using a 3D CAD package (Inventor preferred, although similar packages will be considered)
- Experience designing bespoke mechanical equipment or fabricated structures
- A background within heavy engineering, industrial machinery, process plant or similar industries
- Strong engineering calculation and problem‑solving skills
- Experience leading technical projects and mentoring other engineers
- The confidence to work directly with customers and provide technical guidance
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive attitude with the ability to work independently
Experience within acoustics, noise control or highly regulated industries would be advantageous but is by no means essential.
Benefits include a competitive salary of £65,000 - £75,000 depending on experience, hybrid working (4 days office / 1 day home), Monday-Friday working hours, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, and the opportunity to work on technically challenging, bespoke engineering projects with a high level of technical autonomy and responsibility in a stable, well‑established business.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Ilkeston employer: ATA Recruitment
ATA Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values both individual contributions and teamwork. With competitive benefits including healthcare coverage, pension contributions, and ample training opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in the thriving FMCG manufacturing sector in Canterbury.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Ilkeston
✨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 ATA Recruitment.
✨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 ATA Recruitment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ATA Recruitment 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 in Ilkeston
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 ATA Recruitment 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 ATA Recruitment
✨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 ATA Recruitment.
✨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 ATA Recruitment.
✨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 ATA Recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
