Lead Mechanical Engineer in Bristol

Building the people that build the world. With platforms in HVAC and Detection and Measurement, SPX Technologies builds innovative solutions that enable a safer, more efficient, sustainable world. Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support them in their continued development. We’re a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators, and our businesses build solutions that impact the world.

As part of Detection and Measurement, Radiodetection is a global leader in the design and development of equipment and software used by utility companies to install, protect, and maintain underground infrastructure networks. Through precision and magnetic locators and ground penetrating radar, we help prevent damage to infrastructure utilities and protect lives.

How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)

SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As the Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will elevate Radiodetection’s engineering excellence by leading both the mechanical architecture and the mechanical engineering team responsible for delivering complex, ruggedized electromechanical platforms for underground utility detection and monitoring equipment. Reporting into the Engineering Manager in Bristol, this is a senior engineering role that bridges innovative R&D and high‑volume industrialisation. You will shape and influence the mechanical roadmap, set clear technical and behavioral standards, and lead a team of mechanical engineers to deliver high‑quality products with a first‑time‑right mindset, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and performance in demanding real‑world environments.

What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)

• Mechanical Architecture & Technical Direction: Define and lead the mechanical architecture for multi‑disciplinary product lines, ensuring seamless integration between mechanical, electrical, and firmware systems.
• Engineering Strategy & Standards: Establish, own, and continuously improve SolidWorks CAD standards, engineering best practices, and a rigorous design‑review culture across the team.
• Team Leadership & Capacity Planning: Lead, develop, and resource the mechanical engineering team to support both current programs and future product roadmap needs.
• Modeling & Simulation Excellence: Ensure effective use of FEA, CFD, and tolerance analysis across the team to validate designs early and drive engineering certainty.
• DFM/DFA & Tooling Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for Design for Manufacture and Assembly activities, tooling design, mold‑flow analysis, and production fixtures.
• Reliability, Quality & Risk Management: Lead DFMEA activities, ensure ruggedization for harsh environments (including IP protection and impact resistance), and maintain focus on long‑term product durability.
• Problem Solving & Corrective Action: Lead complex root cause investigations and drive robust, data‑driven corrective actions across products and processes.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of Kaizen and apply Six Sigma methodologies to continuously improve quality, yield, and productivity.

What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)

Required Experience: Extensive experience in mechanical product development, delivering complex electromechanical products across the full product lifecycle, from concept through production and industrialisation. Demonstrable experience leading and developing mechanical engineering teams within a product development environment. Strong track record of defining mechanical architectures and guiding products to successful production and sustainment.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Expert‑level proficiency in SolidWorks. Deep knowledge of high‑volume manufacturing processes, including plastic injection molding, over‑molding, and die‑casting. Strong experience with tooling design and simulation‑based mechanical validation. Demonstrated application of DFMEA, Six Sigma, 8D, and continuous improvement methodologies. Strong cross‑functional leadership capability, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) or a related discipline. Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications preferred.

Travel & Working Environment: Occasional travel to manufacturing partners and development sites. Mix of office‑based leadership, hands‑on design and review activities, and manufacturing engagement.

Benefits: Generous holiday with ability to buy/exchange, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave. Access to competitive insurance plans (including medical, dental and travel), cycle to work and free parking from your first day. Generous life assurance and employer contributions to company pension plan. Competitive and performance‑based compensation packages and bonus plans. Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to making selection decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.