At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic design team and oversee innovative engineering projects from concept to manufacture.
- Company: A growing manufacturer specialising in bespoke automation and CNC machine solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Combine your technical skills with leadership to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
- Qualifications: Extensive mechanical design experience and strong 3D CAD skills are essential.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to lead a busy mechanical design team within a growing manufacturer of bespoke automation and CNC machine solutions for high-precision aerospace and industrial components.
This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer looking to combine technical excellence with team management.
You'll oversee the delivery of multiple engineering projects from concept through to manufacture, ensuring designs are innovative, practical and delivered on time.
Working closely with production, applications and project teams, you'll drive continuous improvement and support the development of new products and engineering standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop the mechanical design team while remaining actively involved in design activities of multi-process manufacturing systems.
- Manage projects from concept through manufacture, ensuring design quality, technical compliance and on-time delivery.
- Evolve and improve processes whilst retaining an agile working environment, ensuinge delivery on time first time.
- Ensure Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings and engineering documentation are accurate and maintained throughout the project lifecycle, using 3D CAD e. g. Inventor.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, procurement and project teams to deliver practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
About You You'll have extensive experience in mechanical design within a manufacturing or automation environment and be confident leading and engaging engineers whilst managing multiple projects.
Strong 3D CAD experience is essential (e. g.
Inventor), along with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Above all, a strong sense of accountability is a must.
Experience of CNC machine tools would be highly advantageous but is not essential; candidates from bespoke machinery, special purpose machinery or industrial automation backgrounds are equally encouraged to apply.
Keywords: Design Manager, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Design, CAD, Solid Works, Manufacturing, Automation, Special Purpose Machinery, CNC Machine Tools, BOM, Design for Manufacture, Engineering Manager
Design Manager employer: Cooper Edwards Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative manufacturer where your expertise as a Design Manager will be valued and nurtured. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous improvement and creativity in designing bespoke automation solutions. Located in a thriving industrial hub, our company provides unique opportunities for professional growth while working on cutting-edge projects that make a real impact in the aerospace and industrial sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨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 Cooper Edwards Ltd.
✨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 Cooper Edwards Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Cooper Edwards Ltd 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 Design Manager
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 Cooper Edwards Ltd and the Design Manager 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 Cooper Edwards Ltd
✨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 Cooper Edwards Ltd.
✨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 Cooper Edwards Ltd.
✨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 Cooper Edwards Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
