At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop complex mechanical equipment for industrial environments.
- Company: Established engineering firm with a focus on hands-on design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience and skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering with practical design challenges.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mechanical design, strong manufacturing background required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
A well-established engineering business is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of complex fabricated and machined equipment used in industrial and regulated environments. The role focuses on full lifecycle mechanical design, from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings and support through fabrication and build. This is a hands-on design engineering position requiring strong experience in manufacturing-led design rather than conceptual or theoretical engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop complex mechanical fabrications and assemblies for manufacture
- Produce full 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings from concept
- Create fabrication drawings suitable for laser cutting, folding, welding and assembly
- Design precision machined components including shafts, housings, couplings and fixtures
- Specify and apply correct tolerances, fits and machining requirements
- Develop assemblies incorporating bearings, sleeves, keyways and bolted connections
- Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective and aligned with production capability
- Work closely with manufacturing and workshop teams to resolve design queries
- Support reverse engineering and redesign of existing equipment where required
- Interpret and adapt designs to material availability and fabrication constraints
- Provide technical input into design improvements and problem-solving activities
Essential Requirements
- 10+ years mechanical design experience in fabrication or special purpose machinery
- Strong background in mechanical design for manufacture (DfM)
- Proven experience producing detailed manufacturing drawings from scratch
- Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication and laser cutting design principles
- Experience designing machined components and mechanical assemblies
- Knowledge of tolerancing, fits, and machining practices (limits & fits, ISO standards)
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (professional level)
- Experience with 2D CAD (AutoCAD or equivalent such as DraftSight)
- Ability to interpret engineering requirements into practical manufacturing solutions
- Engineering qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent minimum)
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience within water, wastewater or process plant equipment
- Experience with stainless steel, mild steel and plastics design
- Site experience including measurements, installation or troubleshooting support
- Experience working with mixed imperial and metric design standards
- Exposure to regulated or industrial manufacturing environments
- Understanding of material selection and availability constraints
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong practical engineering mindset
- High attention to manufacturing detail
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of design outputs
- Problem-solving capability in real-world fabrication environments
- Comfortable working across design, production and site interfaces
- Ability to manage multiple design outputs and priorities
This role requires a strong emphasis on real-world engineering capability rather than purely software-based CAD operation. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical design experience through previous projects and manufacturing outputs. Salary will be reflective of experience and capability, with higher remuneration available for candidates who meet a broader range of the desirable criteria.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester employer: CIBSE Journal
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. As an Electrical Design Engineer, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. With a hybrid working model and the chance to contribute to impactful utility-scale projects, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
✨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 CIBSE Journal.
✨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 CIBSE Journal love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of CIBSE Journal 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 Manchester
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 CIBSE Journal 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 CIBSE Journal
✨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 CIBSE Journal.
✨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 CIBSE Journal.
✨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 CIBSE Journal, making you a more appealing candidate.
