Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Ilkeston Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Elevation Recruitment Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design projects, ensuring quality and compliance in engineering solutions.
  • Company: Join a specialist equipment manufacturer known for innovative engineering in demanding environments.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and exposure to complex engineering challenges.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that values creativity and precision in engineering.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering required; leadership experience and CAD proficiency preferred.
  • Other info: Ideal for those passionate about shaping a skilled engineering team.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.

Lead Mechanical Design EngineerLocation: North Derbyshire | Department: EngineeringReporting to: Head of Engineering

Elevation Recruitment Group are working exclusively on a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced mechanical design professional to step into a pivotal leadership role with a specialist equipment manufacturer in heavy engineering environments.

This is a company where engineering meets ingenuity. They has a history of designing and manufacturing high-integrity containment systems for some of the most demanding environments in the world. Their solutions sit at the intersection of mechanical, structural, and acoustic engineering – protecting people and assets in industries ranging from energy and aerospace to defence and power generation.

They bring together advanced fabrication capability, in-house CFD and FEA, and a hands-on engineering culture that values practical problem solving as much as theoretical excellence. Projects are often bespoke, complex and critical, offering engineers exposure to technically challenging work and opportunities to influence systems from concept through to commissioning.

If you\’re looking to apply your engineering expertise in a role that combines precision, creativity and impact – this is the kind of environment where your skills will matter.

As Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, you\’ll be at the forefront of delivering innovative, compliant, and efficient design solutions across a range of high-integrity engineering projects. This is a senior role with real influence – overseeing mechanical design delivery, supporting business growth through value engineering, and ensuring best-in-class engineering governance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical design activities, ensuring \”right first time\” output and adherence to engineering standards
  • Support tendering activity with expert input into specifications and design concepts
  • Schedule and allocate work across the mechanical design team, aligning resources with project timelines
  • Approve designs, reports, calculations and technical submissions, ensuring consistent quality
  • Act as a technical authority for external design partners and subcontractors
  • Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes and documentation
  • Represent the design function in internal reviews and customer meetings
  • Maintain effective collaboration across engineering, applications and project teams

What We\’re Looking For

Qualifications:

  • Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering (essential)
  • Additional qualifications in acoustics, physics or professional memberships (IMechE, xwzovoh IOA) are desirable

Experience:

  • Significant experience in a senior mechanical engineering role, ideally with team leadership responsibility
  • Strong grounding in core mechanical engineering principles
  • Experience with fabrication design, structural codes, and regulatory compliance (e.g. Machinery Directive, CDM, ATEX) is a bonus

Skills & Attributes:

  • Excellent leadership, coaching and communication skills
  • Confident decision-maker with a proactive mindset
  • Able to juggle multiple priorities, projects and deadlines
  • Proficient in engineering software and design tools (e.g. CAD, MathCAD, MS Office)
  • Strong eye for detail and a passion for quality in engineering delivery

This is an ideal opportunity for a mechanically minded leader who thrives in a collaborative setting and is passionate about driving e

Lead Mechanical Engineer employer: Elevation Recruitment Group

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer with our specialist equipment manufacturer in North Derbyshire, you'll join a dynamic team that thrives on innovation and practical problem-solving. We offer a collaborative work culture that values your expertise, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a challenging engineering environment. With a focus on bespoke projects across critical industries, your contributions will directly impact the safety and efficiency of high-integrity systems, making this an exciting and rewarding place to advance your career.
Elevation Recruitment Group

Contact Detail:

Elevation Recruitment Group Recruiting Team

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer

Leadership Skills
Mechanical Engineering Principles
Design Software Proficiency (e.g. CAD, MathCAD)
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge (e.g. Machinery Directive, CDM, ATEX)
Technical Authority
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Team Collaboration
Value Engineering
Continuous Improvement
Time Management
Coaching and Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in mechanical engineering, particularly any leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in design, project management, and compliance with engineering standards.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mechanical engineering and your understanding of the company's focus on high-integrity containment systems. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your degree in Mechanical Engineering and any additional qualifications or memberships that are relevant to the role. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your professional development.

Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams and driving engineering projects. Highlight your ability to make decisions and improve processes within a team setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Elevation Recruitment Group

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you'll be expected to lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve driven projects to completion while maintaining high standards.

Demonstrate Technical Expertise

Make sure to brush up on core mechanical engineering principles and relevant regulations like the Machinery Directive or ATEX. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you applied these principles, showcasing your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex engineering challenges. Prepare to discuss how you would approach a bespoke project from concept to commissioning, including how you would ensure compliance and quality throughout the process.

Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

This role requires effective collaboration across various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, and how you’ve communicated complex ideas to non-engineers. This will demonstrate your ability to represent the design function effectively.

Lead Mechanical Engineer
Elevation Recruitment Group
Location: Ilkeston
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