Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Huddersfield, Yorkshire

An established engineering and manufacturing organisation specialising in industrial flow control technologies is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join its advanced engineering and product development function. This role offers the opportunity to lead the development of high-performance valve and pressure-containing equipment for critical industrial applications across sectors including energy, process industries, utilities, cryogenics, and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will play a key role in new product development, engineering validation, design optimisation, and manufacturing support within a multidisciplinary technical environment.

Position Summary

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept generation, detailed mechanical design, and lifecycle engineering support of engineered valve products and associated actuation systems. The role requires strong expertise in pressure equipment design, mechanical integrity, materials engineering, and manufacturing integration. The engineer will collaborate closely with production, quality, testing, and project engineering teams to ensure products meet operational, regulatory, and customer performance requirements. This position is suited to an experienced engineer with a strong background in industrial valve design, pressure systems, or rotating/static mechanical equipment operating in demanding service environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of industrial valve assemblies and flow-control products from concept through to manufacture and qualification.
• Produce detailed 3D models, manufacturing drawings, assembly documentation, and engineering BOMs using CAD systems.
• Perform engineering calculations and analytical assessments including stress analysis, pressure containment verification, torsional and bending analysis, deflection and buckling calculations, and fatigue and mechanical integrity assessments.
• Support and review Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with relevant international standards and pressure equipment regulations, including PED, ASME, API, ISO, and BS/EN standards.
• Interpret technical specifications, datasheets, process conditions, and client engineering requirements.
• Select suitable materials based on pressure, temperature, corrosion, erosion, and service conditions.
• Develop actuator sizing calculations and fail-safe operating philosophies for automated valve systems.
• Support manufacturing activities including machining, casting, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and hydrostatic/pneumatic testing.
• Provide technical support during product validation, commissioning, root-cause investigations, and non-conformance resolution.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation including design reports, risk assessments, manufacturing procedures, installation, operation & maintenance (IOM) manuals, and technical datasheets.
• Conduct design reviews and technical verification activities to ensure compliance, quality, and manufacturability.
• Manage multiple concurrent engineering projects within defined technical, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Interface with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers on technical matters where required.

Technical Requirements

• Strong understanding of valve operating principles, sealing technologies, pressure boundary design, and actuation systems.
• Experience designing pressure-containing mechanical equipment for industrial or process applications.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent 3D modelling platforms.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing and fits, material specifications, manufacturing methods, and DFM principles.
• Familiarity with FEA/structural simulation tools, CFD analysis methodologies, and pressure testing and validation procedures.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, casting, welding/fabrication, assembly, and inspection.
• Ability to independently produce technical calculations and engineering justification reports.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
• Minimum 5 years experience in mechanical design engineering within valve manufacturing, pressure equipment, fluid systems, oil & gas, energy, process engineering, or heavy engineering sectors.

Additional Attributes

• Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• High attention to detail and engineering quality standards.
• Commercial awareness and practical manufacturing understanding.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Employment Details

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Competitive salary and benefits package dependent on experience.
• Hybrid/flexible working may be available depending on business requirements.