Lead Design Engineer (CAD)

When was the last time you had the chance to shape something from the ground up? That’s exactly what’s on offer here. Right now, all design work is being outsourced which means as Lead Design Engineer you’ll be stepping into a blank canvas. The tools are ready, the support is there, and the space is yours to make your own.

You’ll take full ownership of the design process from initial concept sketches through to completion. That means understanding complex tolerancing, translating ideas into manufacturable solutions, and shaping how the factory layout comes together. You’ll also manage the PLM system, maintain accurate BOMs and take full responsibility for the design function. It’s not a leadership role just yet, but it could be. The plan is to grow into a small team of two once the foundations are in place and you’ll be the one who builds those foundations.

So who’s this Lead Design Engineer role really for? Maybe you’re working in a larger organisation where progression has hit a ceiling. You’ve gained solid experience but you’re itching to take on more ownership, more influence, more autonomy. Or perhaps you’re in a smaller business already handling end-to-end design work but now you want to join somewhere more structured, where your work gets the backing and visibility it deserves. Either way, this is your moment to step up.

You’ll use Inventor and Fusion360, though SolidWorks experience is easily transferable, to create detailed 3D models and technical drawings. But it’s not just about software. It’s about seeing a design through every stage of its journey. From paper sketch to fully functioning product, you’ll understand how things fit, how they move, and how they work.

There’s variety too. The designs here are used across a wide range of industries, so no two days or projects will feel the same. You’ll work directly with customers to interpret ideas, solve problems, and deliver designs that not only look right but perform beautifully.

To thrive as Lead Design Engineer, you’ll need:

• Solid mechanical design experience
• Confidence working with tolerances and detailed drawings
• A practical understanding of manufacturing processes such as sheet metal, machining, and fabrication
• Strong 3D CAD skills, whether that’s Inventor, Fusion360 or SolidWorks
• A natural way with customers, turning their ideas into something real

The salary is up to £50,000 depending on experience, along with a benefits package that includes 25.5 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, health cover, death in service, proper training, recognition schemes and bonus potential. And most importantly, there’s genuine progression here. Whether you see yourself developing into management or becoming a top-level Engineer, the path is mapped out.

This Lead Design Engineer is more than a job. It’s about shaping how design happens in this business, owning the process, and growing something lasting.