Job Description
Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils)
£45,000–£55,000 | Permanent
Location: Dartford
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils) to support projects within the water, utilities, and construction sectors across North East London.
This is a permanent PAYE role offering long-term career progression within a stable and growing engineering environment.
What’s on Offer
• Salary: £45,000–£55,000
• Permanent PAYE role
• Laptop & mobile phone
• Company pension
• Life insurance (up to 4x salary)
• 33 days holiday (increasing with service)
• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Enhanced paternity & maternity leave
• Clear career progression pathway
• Supportive and flexible working environment
Role Overview
As a Design Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering practical, buildable design solutions from concept through to fabrication and installation.
This role requires a strong understanding of fabrication detailing, steelwork design, and constructability, ensuring that all designs are not only technically correct but also feasible to manufacture, transport, and install on-site.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and interpret P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) to support plant and system layouts
• Produce 2D and 3D CAD designs (AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT or similar) for fabrication and construction
• Create detailed fabrication drawings, including assemblies, sections, and material specifications
• Design structural and mechanical components such as:
o Walkways, platforms, staircases, and handrails
o Pipe supports, frames, and steel structures
• Ensure designs consider manufacturability, including:
o Cutting methods and material usage
o Welded vs single-piece fabrication
o Bolting, fixings, gaskets, and ancillary components
• Assess transport and installation constraints, breaking designs into modular sections where required and defining assembly methodology
• Select appropriate materials (e.g. mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium) based on environment and application
• Collaborate with project managers, site teams, and clients to resolve design challenges
• Produce material take-offs (MTOs) and supporting documentation
• Carry out design checks to ensure compliance with:
o British Standards
o Eurocodes
o Client/asset-specific standards
• Continuously improve design efficiency, quality, and standardisation
Requirements
• Proven experience in a design engineering role within construction, water, or heavy industry
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD (2D/3D) or similar CAD tools
• Experience producing fabrication-ready drawings (not just concept design)
• Solid understanding of:
o Steelwork (beams, columns, connections)
o Fabrication processes and constraints
o Material selection for different environments
• Familiarity with P&IDs and plant layouts
• Knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes (or ability to apply them in design work)
• Ability to design with practical installation and assembly in mind
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Good communication and ability to justify design decisions
