At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative engineering solutions for the naval defence sector.
- Company: Join MacTaggart Scott, a historic leader in naval defence engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive learning environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: On site- Loanhead, Edinburgh
Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week
Contract Type: Permanent
Join Our Team: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Design team at MacTaggart Scott. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically capable engineering professional to take on a key leadership role within our Mechanical Engineering team, supporting the delivery of innovative engineering solutions within the naval defence sector.
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and guidance across engineering activities while supporting the development of engineers within your team. Working closely with the Principal Engineer (Mechanical), you will help drive technical excellence, continuous improvement, and engineering best practice across projects and deliverables.
This role would suit someone who enjoys leading technical teams, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing to high-profile defence engineering projects in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
About Us: MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.
What is the job about? As our Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will act as a technical lead within the Mechanical Engineering team, ensuring engineering excellence across projects while mentoring and supporting engineers within your team. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet customer requirements while promoting best practice and continuous improvement across the Design Department.
This is a varied and hands-on role where you will combine technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, supporting both engineering delivery and team development within a highly regulated defence environment.
Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Drive technical excellence within the Mechanical Engineering team, ensuring customer requirements are delivered on time and to schedule
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to engineers within your team
- Promote engineering best practice, innovation, and lessons learned across projects and activities
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the ongoing development of engineering processes
- Create, review, and authorise engineering deliverables for internal and external customers
- Undertake Senior Design Engineer or Project Engineer responsibilities where required
- Conduct Staff Development Reviews (SDRs) for engineers within your team
- Build strong working relationships across departments, stakeholders, and customers
- Support the Principal Engineer (Mechanical) in driving engineering standards and technical excellence
Requirements About You:
- Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong technical background
- Proven track record of leading technical projects and engineering teams
- Strong problem-solving skills with an innovative and proactive approach
- Experience creating, reviewing, and approving engineering documentation
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment
- Flexible approach to engineering activities and changing project requirements
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications
Desirable:
- Subsea engineering experience
- Security clearance
- Awareness of military environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and equipment standards
- MEng in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Chartered Engineer status
Qualifications:
- BSc or BEng in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent), or relevant Apprenticeship with HNC
- Affiliation with a relevant professional body
Additional Information:
This role will require travel, including periods away from home where required. The successful candidate must be able to satisfy Ministry of Defence security requirements.
Benefits Your future And What We Offer:
- Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (Mon-Thurs 07:00–19:15 with core hours 09:30–15:30, Friday 07:00 – 16:00 with core hours 09:30 – 12:00), allowing you to fit work around your life.
- Leave Entitlements: Inclusive annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, annual leave buy and sell, and more.
- Career Development: Supportive environment with a dedicated Learning & Development team and clear pathways to grow your career.
- Wellbeing Support: Access to our comprehensive wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite nurse, and life insurance.
- Health & Protection: Sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives.
- Onsite Facilities: Canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work scheme for convenience.
- Financial Benefits: Generous company pension plan and exclusive employee discounts.
If you are looking to take the next step in your engineering career within a technically challenging and rewarding defence environment, we would welcome your application.
Lead Mechanical Engineer in Loanhead employer: MacTaggart Scott
MacTaggart Scott is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Loanhead, Edinburgh, where innovation meets tradition in the naval defence sector. With flexible working options, comprehensive wellbeing support, and a strong focus on career development, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join a collaborative team that values technical excellence and continuous improvement, while enjoying generous benefits and a commitment to employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer in Loanhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in defence. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex engineering challenges and led teams to success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement. Share examples of how you've implemented best practices in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what MacTaggart Scott is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer in Loanhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading technical projects and mentoring teams. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges. We’re looking for innovative thinkers who can drive technical excellence, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart Scott
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you'll need to showcase your technical expertise. Brush up on key engineering principles and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and guiding other engineers, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and highlight any continuous improvement initiatives you've implemented.
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with MacTaggart Scott's history and their commitment to the naval defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company's approach to innovation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
