At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design of innovative equipment from concept to manufacture.
- Company: Established British manufacturer with a focus on innovation and stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term role, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities for junior engineers and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and ownership while working on varied, exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven design engineering experience required.
Echelon Engineers is recruiting on behalf of an established British manufacturer of specialist industrial equipment. This is a stable, financially secure business with a genuine appetite for innovation and continued investment in its people and facilities. Due to continued growth, they are now looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join their in-house engineering team.
The Role
You will lead the mechanical design of new equipment and bespoke systems from concept through to manufacture, while supporting continuous improvement of the existing product range. Working closely with production, sales, and project engineering, you will take real ownership of projects within a company that designs and builds everything in-house.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design of new products and bespoke solutions, concept to manufacturing drawings
- Produce and check 3D models, GA and detailed drawings (SolidWorks/Inventor)
- Carry out supporting engineering calculations (structural/mechanical)
- Work with production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective
- Support prototyping, testing, and commissioning of new equipment
- Manage BOMs and technical documentation
- Mentor junior design engineers
- Ensure designs meet relevant safety standards (PUWER, Machinery Directive/UKCA)
About You
- Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
- Proven senior/lead design engineering experience in a manufacturing or heavy machinery environment
- Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred)
- Solid grasp of design principles, materials, and manufacturing methods (fabrication, welding, sheet metal, machining)
- Experience with structural steelwork, conveyors, or heavy mechanical equipment advantageous
- Working knowledge of machinery safety standards (CE/UKCA, PUWER)
- Recycling, waste management, or materials handling sector experience is a plus but not essential
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary, DOE
- Stable, long-term role with a financially secure, growing manufacturer
- Genuine autonomy and project ownership
- Varied, technically interesting projects
- Company benefits package
Senior Design Engineer in Northampton employer: ECHELON ENGINEERS
Echelon Engineers offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Manufacturing Engineers in Lincolnshire, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our culture. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Engineer in Northampton
✨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 ECHELON ENGINEERS.
✨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 ECHELON ENGINEERS love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ECHELON ENGINEERS 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 Design Engineer in Northampton
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 ECHELON ENGINEERS and the Senior 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 ECHELON ENGINEERS
✨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 ECHELON ENGINEERS.
✨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 ECHELON ENGINEERS.
✨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 ECHELON ENGINEERS, making you a more appealing candidate.
