Mechanical Design Engineer in Poole

This is an innovative engineering design and manufacturing business based in Poole, now a leading global supplier in its specialist sector. The company works across multiple industries within a niche area of Engineering and operates as a technical partner to customers rather than simply a supplier.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will prepare design briefs, detailed specifications and BOMs to fulfil customer lifting requirements. You’ll be expected to manage multiple enquiries/projects, communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders, and produce high‑quality design and fabrication information using AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Product‑specific training is provided, but lifting equipment design experience is highly advantageous. You must be willing to learn a specialist area quickly and work closely with other departments in a "one team" environment.

Day-to-day responsibilities:

• Prepare design briefs, detailed specifications and BOMs to meet customer lifting requirements
• Take projects/customer enquiries from concept to completion, liaising with customers and reporting progress internally
• Produce design and draughting outputs using AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Produce detailed set‑out drawings, fabrication drawings and GA drawings
• Select appropriate materials, section sizes and components
• Produce full technical files for company products
• Produce literature for user instructions and marketing materials
• Liaise with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders
• Support R&D of new products from concept through prototyping, pre‑production and release
• Work hands‑on in the factory supporting the Project Management Team to overcome design challenges during execution
• Attend remote and on‑site client meetings when required (supported by a Manager/Director)
• Once trained, carry out structural stress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA)
• Support day‑to‑day enquiries and wider engineering team activity

What they’re looking for:

• Mechanical or structural engineering related qualification (e.g. BEng, HND, HNC)
• SolidWorks and AutoCAD experience (non‑negotiable)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey ideas to clients, colleagues and senior stakeholders
• Ability to work to customer specifications and consistently meet deadlines
• Organised, adaptable, able to manage multiple projects/enquiries at once
• Willingness to be hands‑on in the factory when projects need support

Experience they’d like to see:

• Ideally 3+ years’ experience as a Design Mechanical Engineer or Design Structural Engineer (graduates considered with salary reflecting experience/training needs)
• Experience in beam analysis, forces and steel stress calculations (or a solid understanding/knowledge if not hands‑on)
• Interest in developing skills in structural stress analysis and FEA
• Desire to research and develop your own knowledge as products and designs evolve

Important note on suitability: A Product Design‑type degree (e.g. BSc Product Design) is unlikely to be suitable on its own unless supported by directly relevant work experience in mechanical/structural engineering and the required CAD tools.

Role specifics:

• Location: Office based, Holton Heath Trading Park, Poole
• Salary: £33,000 – £39,000 depending on experience
• Benefits: Group life cover (DIS benefit), periodic cost of living salary reviews, annual occupational health surveillance (where relevant), employee assistance programme (EAP), eye‑care vouchers (where relevant)

Candidates must already hold the Right to Work in the UK (no visa sponsorship).