At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in designing bespoke automation systems and drive innovation.
- Company: Established UK engineering firm specialising in special-purpose machinery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, electric vehicle, pension, and bonus.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Why this job: Shape a high-performing team and make a real impact in engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer ready to step up, or an established leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a team and make an impact? Join a well-established UK engineering business at the forefront of special-purpose machinery, delivering bespoke automation solutions to global manufacturing industries. This is a key hire for the business. You’ll take ownership of the mechanical design function, leading a small team while remaining hands-on in the design and development of complex, one-off automation systems. If you’re passionate about innovation, delivery, and raising standards, this role offers the platform to do it.
Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:
- Lead and develop a team of 4 mechanical design engineers across a range of experience levels
- Take ownership of mechanical design delivery from concept through to build and commissioning
- Remain hands-on (approx. 70%) with detailed design of bespoke special-purpose machinery
- Drive concept development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design function
- Ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and project requirements
- Oversee CAD output using Autodesk Inventor, ensuring consistency, quality, and best practice
- Work closely with electrical, controls, and build teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to develop team capability
- Improve processes, structure, and follow-through within the design lifecycle
- Support machine build, FAT, and occasional site activities when required
Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:
- Proven experience in mechanical design of special-purpose machinery or bespoke automation systems
- Strong 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar)
- A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges
- Previous leadership experience OR a senior engineer ready to step into a management role
- Able to drive projects forward, ensuring accountability and delivery to deadlines
- Passionate about engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Strong communicator, capable of leading, mentoring, and developing a team
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of design for manufacture and project delivery
This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing engineering business, where you’ll have the autonomy to influence direction, improve standards, and build a high-performing design team. Located in Leicestershire, this role is commutable from Leicester, Syston, Hinckley, Coventry, and South Wigston.
Mechanical Design Manager employer: Automation Experts
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering firm in Leicestershire, where your leadership as a Mechanical Design Manager will directly influence the development of bespoke automation solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor a talented team while enjoying a supportive work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement. The company offers competitive benefits including a generous salary, an electric vehicle, pension contributions, and performance bonuses, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering sector.
