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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop mechanical solutions and support product development from concept to manufacturing.
- Company: Join Cambridge Design Partnership, an innovative partner for global brands and start-ups.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, a 12% pension, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and participation in a Graduate Development Programme.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility, collaborate with experts, and grow your technical skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Design; knowledge of CAD and prototyping required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About The Role
We are looking for a Graduate Design Engineer to join our team. It will be an exciting and challenging role and you’ll be given real responsibility from day one, working alongside technical experts who have a passion for what they do.
Your role will see you developing mechanical solutions for a range of products and processes in the consumer, healthcare, industrial and energy sectors. You will be involved in all aspects of product development – from concept generation, building prototypes, running tests, and supporting development to full-scale manufacturing.
You will join a collaborative working environment where you will have the support of an experienced team and you can expect to develop your technical skills and gain an understanding of new fields of design and technology. You\’ll join our Graduate Development Programme and benefit from the support of an allocated mentor, a mix of training which will focus on consultancy and soft skill development, on the job learning to help you grow technically, and the support to achieve chartership.
This role is be based in our Bourn, Cambridge office and there may also be an opportunity for international travel to a variety of client sites. If you are looking for a varied career, in a fast paced environment where we offer our clients a truly holistic approach, then we would love to hear from you.
About You
- A degree in Product Design, Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design
- Knowledge of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) including low to high volume manufacturing processes such as: injection moulding, CNC machining and sheet metal.
- Knowledge of SolidWorks 3D CAD (or similar) gained through working on several CAD projects
- Strong communication skills. Communication is key in this role and you will need to present your ideas and conclusions to stakeholders from technical and non-technical backgrounds
- An understanding of engineering drawings and tolerances
- Strong prototyping skills and a proficiency for hands-on problem solving.
- Creative and technical abilities in many of the following areas: concept generation, system level design, mechanical analysis, lab testing, materials selection, design for robustness
- Self-motivation and an eager, can-do attitude. You will be accustomed to getting on with tasks independently and seeking out the best tools for the job
- An ability to work collaboratively and within short timescales whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail
- A passion for developing new technical skills and utilizing new technologies.
- Some commercial awareness is an advantage
Closing date for applications is Friday 11 July 2025. Please provide a CV, covering letter and we also require a portfolio of work to be uploaded to support your application.
About Us
Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) is an end-to-end innovation partner, propelling global brands and ambitious start-ups to success. We build breakthrough products and services – from insight to ideas, prototypes to production – bringing innovation to life. Our teams are multi-disciplinary, uniting scientific rigor, design ingenuity, and engineering excellence for consumer and healthcare clients. People-centred, deeply collaborative, and – above all – expert, we’re uniquely positioned to shape the future for consumers, patients, and industry. Even our ownership model is innovative: We’re 100% owned by our employees, ensuring an open culture and a total commitment to our projects’ success. As part of our benefits package we offer:
- flexible working
- a discretionary bonus
- excellent learning and development opportunities
- a 12% non-contributory pension
- private healthcare
- electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme
- share incentive plan
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
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Graduate Design Engineer employer: Cambridge Design Partnership
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Design Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as SolidWorks and DFMA principles. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Cambridge Design Partnership. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail. Highlight projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and creativity, especially those related to mechanical design and prototyping, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your soft skills during the interview process. Since communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, especially when explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Graduate Design Engineer role. Emphasise your knowledge of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), SolidWorks, and any hands-on projects you've completed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creativity in design. Show how your background makes you a great fit for their team.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio of your work that showcases your design projects, prototypes, and any CAD work. Make sure to highlight your best pieces that reflect your technical abilities and creativity, as this will be crucial for the application.
Highlight Soft Skills: Since communication is key in this role, make sure to mention your strong communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others or presented ideas to diverse audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Design Partnership
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) and your experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software. Bring examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your hands-on problem-solving abilities and prototyping skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently, especially to those who may not have a technical background. Think about how you can explain complex concepts in simple terms.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your creative process in concept generation and system-level design. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you applied your creative and technical skills to overcome challenges.
✨Exhibit a Can-Do Attitude
Show your self-motivation and eagerness to learn. Discuss instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems independently or sought out new tools and technologies to enhance your work.