At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative motorised products from concept to tooling.
- Company: Join Vax, a leading UK floor care brand with a fresh vision.
- Benefits: Earn up to £50,000 plus bonuses, with four days on-site work.
- Other info: Opportunity for relocation support and genuine ownership of projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of product design.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Water, pumps, spray and heat: Kodu are here to present a rare chance to help rebuild Vax's engineering team from scratch. As a Mechanical Design Engineer in Droitwich, you will earn up to £50,000 plus up to 10% bonus, working four days on site with real ownership of the brand's next generation of products.
Scope of the Role
- Own the mechanical and design engineering of Vax's motorised wet products, carpet washers, spray extraction and steam cleaners, taking each one from concept through to tooling.
- Produce CAD of complex parts and assemblies, using CREO or an equivalent mainstream package.
- Run tolerance stack ups and FEA to prove designs before committing to tooling.
- Apply strong knowledge of materials, heat treatments and manufacturing processes.
- Embed design for manufacture into every part, owning specifications through to tooling.
- Build your command of the NPD process, challenging design gaps across engineering, design and commercial teams.
Key Skills and Experience Required
- A proven track record as a Mechanical Design Engineer, Design Engineer or Product Design Engineer within new product development.
- Experience designing motorised products that involve fluids: pumps, pressure, spray or thermal systems.
- Strong 3D CAD skills across complex parts and assemblies, in CREO or a comparable mainstream package.
- A solid grounding in tolerance stack ups, design for manufacture, materials and manufacturing.
- Able to commit to four days a week on site in Droitwich, or willing to relocate.
Salary and Benefits
- £45,000 to £50,000 basic salary.
- Up to 10% annual bonus.
- Four days a week on site in Droitwich.
- Genuine ownership of products from concept through to tooling.
- Relocation support considered for the right candidate.
Vax is one of the UK's best known floor care brands, part of TTI, the global group behind Milwaukee and Ryobi. Next year marks its 50th anniversary, and the Droitwich team is being rebuilt around fast, hands-on new product development rather than legacy process. As a Mechanical Design Engineer here, you will help shape that team rather than inherit it, working alongside people who prototype and test ideas quickly. It is a heritage brand with global backing, and a genuine chance to build something from the ground up.
Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Kodu
Vax is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in Droitwich. As a Project Lead, you will benefit from competitive compensation, including an annual bonus and generous holiday allowance, while being part of a team dedicated to rebuilding product development with a focus on curiosity-led design. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, Vax is committed to empowering its employees to drive meaningful change in the floor care industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design 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 Kodu.
✨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 Kodu love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Kodu 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 Mechanical Design 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 Kodu and the 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 Kodu
✨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 Kodu.
✨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 Kodu.
✨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 Kodu, making you a more appealing candidate.
