At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative engineering solutions for hydraulic and marine research.
- Company: Join HR Wallingford, a leader in sustainable water solutions with over 70 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £48,000, hybrid working, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Supportive environment with comprehensive training and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global projects while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering, CAD design, and a hands-on approach.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
HR Wallingford's Equipment, Technology and Innovation Group is a small to medium, high expertise team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities. With more than 70 years' experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide. Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms.
Alongside delivering world class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation's growth in strategic markets.
About the role
In this end-to-end role, you will play an active part in engineering design, collaborating closely with electrical and software engineers, as well as project managers, to deliver high-quality solutions for clients around the world. This position would suit an experienced engineer with a broad background who is interested in continuing to grow and develop their career. As our equipment is highly specialised, we provide comprehensive product familiarisation and training. Experience with linear motion systems, precision rotating components, BS8888 / GD&T, limits and fits, and designing for manufacture would be beneficial. Experience in calibration and testing would also be welcomed.
You will contribute to developing and reviewing 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, preparing technical reports and specifications, and supporting the development of new technologies through planning, testing, and verification. The role also offers opportunities to be involved in testing, prototyping, and supporting installation and commissioning activities. A practical, hands‑on approach will be helpful, and you'll be supported in gaining further experience in these areas. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise or progress into a more senior role, we offer a supportive environment, full training on our specialist systems, and opportunities for international travel.
Main duties include:
- Undertake engineering design, analysis, and calculations to underpin our equipment designs.
- Participate in design reviews, and recommend design modifications to improve functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Support in the development of concepts and design solutions for new technology, including planning, testing and verification activities.
- Producing technical reports, specifications, and other technical documentation.
- Produce 3D CAD models and drawings for detailed design.
- Review and approve CAD models and drawings for junior engineers.
- Potential for overseas travel for commissioning and validation of our equipment.
Further information
Salary up to £48,000 dependent on experience. We understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance and offer hybrid working. The closing date for applications is 3 July 2026.
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you're the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We're also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com. Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we'll store and handle that data and keep it. HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Senior Mechanical Engineer employer: HR Wallingford
HR Wallingford is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers. With over 70 years of expertise in hydraulic, marine, and coastal research, we offer comprehensive training on our specialist systems and the opportunity for international travel, ensuring a rewarding experience for our team members. Our commitment to a healthy work-life balance and hybrid working arrangements further enhances the appeal of joining our dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer
✨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 HR Wallingford.
✨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 HR Wallingford love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of HR Wallingford 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 Mechanical Engineer
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 HR Wallingford and the Senior Mechanical 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 HR Wallingford
✨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 HR Wallingford.
✨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 HR Wallingford.
✨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 HR Wallingford, making you a more appealing candidate.
