At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team in developing advanced mechanical systems for defence applications.
- Company: Innovative engineering firm focused on cutting-edge technology and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible working, early finishes, 28 days leave, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while inspiring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven leadership experience required.
Are you an experienced mechanical engineering leader looking to take ownership of a high-performing team developing complex electro-mechanical systems for demanding defence and engineering applications? We are seeking a Mechanical Group Leader to lead, mentor and develop a team of talented engineers responsible for the design and delivery of sophisticated mechanical systems operating in challenging land and maritime environments. This is an opportunity to combine technical excellence with leadership, influencing both current programmes and the future direction of the engineering function.
The Role
As Mechanical Group Leader, you will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle, supporting projects from early concept development through to delivery. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams including systems, software, electronics and electrical engineering specialists to develop innovative and reliable engineering solutions. You will play a key role in team development, continuous improvement initiatives, resource planning, recruitment and strategic growth, ensuring the engineering team remains at the forefront of industry innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers.
- Provide technical guidance on complex engineering challenges and design decisions.
- Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes, tools and training.
- Support project planning, resource allocation and recruitment activities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Support business development activities through concept generation, cost estimation and bid support.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory and industry standards.
- Monitor team performance and champion professional development through coaching and mentoring.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and engineering best practice.
What We're Looking For
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline (minimum 2:1).
- Extensive experience designing complex mechanisms and structures within multidisciplinary engineering environments.
- Proven leadership experience managing projects and engineering teams.
- Strong background in design analysis, FEA and performance calculations.
- Experience developing products for harsh or demanding operating environments.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, sheet metal forming, casting and moulding.
- Experience with electromechanical drive systems including motors, gearboxes and ballscrews.
- Strong understanding of the interaction between mechanical, electrical and optical systems.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM environments.
- Experience supporting customer engagements, bids and new business opportunities.
- Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer status.
- Experience in a senior engineering leadership role within a technology-focused organisation.
- Advanced knowledge of the SolidWorks toolset.
- Experience using Jira and Confluence.
Personal Qualities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong relationship-building capabilities.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Collaborative, resilient and adaptable.
- Comfortable working autonomously and as part of a wider team.
- Passionate about developing people and driving engineering excellence.
Benefits
- 37.5-hour working week
- Early finish every Friday
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave
- Christmas shutdown
- Holiday purchase scheme
If you're a proven engineering leader looking to shape the future of advanced mechanical systems while developing and inspiring a talented team, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Group Leader
✨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 Mane Contract Services.
✨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 Mane Contract Services love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Mane Contract Services 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 Group Leader
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 Mane Contract Services and the Mechanical Group Leader 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 Mane Contract Services
✨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 Mane Contract Services.
✨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 Mane Contract Services.
✨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 Mane Contract Services, making you a more appealing candidate.
