At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative mechanical products in a collaborative engineering team.
- Company: Dynamic tech company spun out of a leading UK university, focused on precision engineering.
- Benefits: Permanent role with flexible hours, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy and water sectors while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; experience in industrial product development preferred.
An engineering-led technology company, spun out of a leading UK university research institute, is seeking a Senior Mechanical/Product Engineer to join its growing engineering team. The business designs and manufactures some of the most precise control valves available, with products addressing fugitive emissions challenges across oil & gas, gas transmission & distribution, and other process industries. Having recently secured significant strategic investment to accelerate growth, the company is expanding its engineering capability to support its next phase of development.
This role sits within a collaborative, agile engineering team developing products for the energy, water, and industrial sectors. You'll report into a Principal Engineer or Engineering Manager and take a leading role in product development projects, mentoring junior engineers while upholding high standards of engineering rigour across a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and support the design, development, and refinement of mechanical products, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and efficiency
- Mentor and guide Graduate Engineers and Mechanical Design Engineers, fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence
- Produce high-quality CAD models, parts, and assemblies
- Create drawings, BOMs, and procedures in line with internal and regulatory standards
- Review and approve engineering drawings against internal and industry standards (BS8888)
- Manage engineering change notices (ECNs) to update and improve released components and assemblies
- Produce operation and maintenance manuals, technical procedures, and material specification documents
- Support hands-on prototype builds and product testing to validate designs ahead of production transfer
- Contribute to the development of robust manufacturing and assembly processes for new and existing products
- Apply finite element analysis and hand calculations for stress analysis and mechanical integrity checks
- Use simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB, FEA software) to solve complex engineering challenges and present findings clearly
- Present work in technical reviews and contribute to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Lead cross-functional training sessions, aligning engineering efforts with wider project goals and timelines
- Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or proven industry experience; postgraduate qualifications welcome but not essential
- Proven track record in industrial product development, ideally within the valve industry or a similar precision-engineering domain
- Strong understanding of metal manufacturing processes, including casting and forging
- Expertise in mechanical component and/or pressure vessel design, safety-critical stress analysis, and engineering to formal design standards (e.g. B16.5/B16.10/API6D/BS EN 10088)
- Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD), SolidWorks PDM, SolidWorks FEA, and simulation tools such as MATLAB
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small team environment, hands-on when required
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to share knowledge and lead by example
- Permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours/week, Mon–Fri)
- Some flexibility on start/finish times
- Up to two days per week working from home
- Hybrid working from a Southern England office location
Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oxford employer: Platform Recruitment
Join a pioneering engineering-led technology company that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a Senior Mechanical Engineer will directly contribute to the development of cutting-edge precision control valves. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers while enjoying a flexible work environment that includes hybrid working options and a culture that prioritises continuous improvement and technical excellence. Located in Southern England, this role offers a unique chance to be part of a dynamic team driving advancements in the energy, water, and industrial sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oxford
✨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 Platform Recruitment.
✨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 Platform Recruitment love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Platform Recruitment 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oxford
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 Platform Recruitment and the Senior Mechanical Engineer 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 Platform Recruitment
✨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 Platform Recruitment.
✨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 Platform Recruitment.
✨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 Platform Recruitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
