At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative mechanical equipment for real-world applications.
- Company: Established engineering specialist in Manchester with a focus on practical solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on projects, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a stable team and influence future engineering standards.
- Why this job: Make your mark by creating bespoke machinery that gets built and used in industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and proficiency in SolidWorks required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Title: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Machinery
Location: Manchester, On-site
Salary: £40,000 - £48,000
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Design Equipment That Gets Built, Installed and Put to Work
An established engineering specialist is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to develop complex fabricated equipment, machined components and mechanical assemblies for demanding industrial environments.
This is a hands-on, manufacturing-led design role covering the full engineering lifecycle—from initial concept and site measurements through to detailed manufacturing drawings, fabrication, assembly and installation support.
You will work closely with an experienced workshop and manufacturing team, ensuring every design is practical, cost-effective and ready to manufacture.
The Role
As Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will take ownership of technically challenging projects involving fabricated structures, sheet metal components, precision-machined parts and special-purpose mechanical equipment.
Your responsibilities will include
- Developing mechanical equipment and assemblies from concept through to manufacture.
- Producing professional 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings using Solid Works.
- Creating fabrication drawings for laser cutting, folding, welding and final assembly.
- Designing machined components such as shafts, housings, couplings, fixtures and sleeves.
- Developing assemblies incorporating bearings, keyways, bolted connections and other mechanical elements.
- Applying appropriate limits, fits, tolerances and machining requirements.
- Working directly with fabricators, machinists and workshop engineers to resolve technical queries.
- Supporting reverse-engineering projects and the redesign of existing equipment.
- Attending sites when required to take measurements or support installation and troubleshooting.
- Managing multiple design projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
What We're Looking For
- Substantial mechanical design experience within special-purpose machinery, fabrication, industrial equipment or a comparable environment.
- Strong design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly knowledge.
- Proven experience producing complete manufacturing drawings from initial requirements.
- Professional-level Solid Works capability.
- Experience using Auto CAD, Draft Sight or comparable 2D CAD software.
- A strong understanding of sheet metal design, laser cutting, folding and welded fabrication.
- Experience designing precision-machined components and mechanical assemblies.
- Sound knowledge of limits and fits, ISO tolerancing standards and machining practices.
- The ability to translate engineering requirements into practical manufacturing solutions.
- An HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience designing equipment for water, wastewater or process applications.
- Knowledge of stainless steel, mild steel and engineered plastics.
- Experience taking site measurements and supporting installation or fault-finding work.
- Familiarity with both imperial and metric design standards.
- Experience within regulated, heavy-industrial or process-manufacturing environments.
- A strong understanding of material selection, availability and cost constraints.
What Will Make You Successful?
You will be a practical engineer—not simply a CAD operator.
You should be comfortable challenging a concept, identifying manufacturing risks and working with the workshop to arrive at the most effective solution.
- Take ownership of projects throughout the complete design and manufacturing lifecycle.
- Design bespoke equipment rather than repeatedly modifying standard products.
- See your designs fabricated, assembled, installed and operating in the field.
- Work closely with skilled fabricators, machinists and experienced engineers.
- Join a stable engineering business delivering essential industrial projects.
- Secure a long-term position with scope to influence future designs and engineering standards.
- Receive a competitive package reflecting your technical experience and practical capability.
Apply Today
If you are an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong background in fabrication, machining and special-purpose equipment, apply today with your CV.
Candidates should be prepared to discuss examples of equipment they have designed and explain how their work progressed from initial concept through to manufacture and installation.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Manchester
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Jobiqo love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Jobiqo 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 Design Engineer in Manchester
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 Jobiqo and the Senior Mechanical 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 Jobiqo
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Jobiqo, making you a more appealing candidate.
