Mechanical Design Engineer in Leicester

Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Machinery

Employment Type: Permanent

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join a growing engineering team based in Leicester.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in special purpose machinery (SPM) design, taking projects from initial concept through to detailed design and manufacture. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on design engineer who enjoys working on bespoke machinery and technically challenging engineering projects.

You will work closely with electrical, controls, manufacturing and project engineering teams to develop robust, practical and cost‑effective mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design bespoke special purpose machinery and automated equipment from concept through to manufacture.
• Produce detailed 3D models, assemblies and manufacturing drawings.
• Develop mechanical concepts based on customer and project requirements.
• Select appropriate mechanical components, materials and manufacturing methods.
• Work closely with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure designs are practical and cost‑effective.
• Review and improve existing machinery designs where required.
• Support the build, installation and commissioning of machinery.
• Liaise with suppliers and customers where required.
• Ensure designs meet relevant engineering standards and project specifications.
• Manage multiple projects and design activities to agreed deadlines.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer within a machinery or automation environment.
• Strong 3D CAD experience using Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge or SolidWorks.
• Experience designing bespoke machinery, automated equipment or production systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to produce detailed engineering and manufacturing drawings.
• Comfortable working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, mechanisms, conveyors, guarding and machine assemblies.
• Experience taking designs from concept through to manufacture and installation.
• Previous experience working within an automation, machinery manufacturing or engineering environment.

What's on Offer

• Salary of circa £55,000, depending on experience.
• Permanent position with a well‑established engineering business.
• Opportunity to work on bespoke, technically challenging machinery projects.
• Varied workload with significant scope for technical development.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Long‑term career progression opportunities.

If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer with strong SPM experience and are looking for a new challenge in Leicester, we'd be keen to hear from you.