Mechanical Design Engineer

Our client can demonstrate almost half a century's expertise in the design, development and manufacture of bespoke automation and robotic systems for a diverse range of industry sectors and are regarded by many in the industry as one of the leading automation system solution providers in the whole of the UK.

As a result of continued success and a planned programme of strategic growth, they are now seeking to recruit an experienced Lead / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to complement their established and successful team and deliver innovative special purpose automation machinery projects.

Based near Leicester and tasked with both designing and overseeing an array of special purpose machine projects from order acceptance to customer hand over, the successful Senior Mechanical Design Engineer candidate will be responsible for:

• The design, detailing and successful delivery of multiple projects.
• Communicating effectively with customers, suppliers and team members as required.
• Performing mechanical design and detailing functions for multiple projects allocated using 3D CAD within the time allocated in the project plan.
• Arranging Design Reviews during the design process to ensure they are well executed, meet overall requirements, are designed for assembly, robust & reliable operation, and meet or better budgetary constraints.
• Obtaining a Design Pass Off by the customer on time and to project plan.
• Ensuring that BOM's are produced on time and within budget.
• Negotiating with external suppliers to obtain the most cost–efficient materials in line with project budgets and timing plans.
• Assisting the electrical design process by communicating clearly and effectively through the duration of the project.
• Compiling a build folder and communicating build details to the machine tool fitters to ensure an efficient build process.
• Providing direction and support to fitters, electricians and other engineers within the team as required.
• Undertaking visits to customer sites as appropriate to fully understand the customer requirements and to obtain measurements for all dimensions, drawings, site layouts and other considerations.
• Documenting and communicating all such requirements to the customer and internal staff respectively.
• Assessing and improving design concepts along with a team at sales quotation stage to reduce risks, costs, lead times.
• Checking the design work produced by other designers to ensure accuracy of design work.
• Conducting project reviews with customers on a periodic basis and reporting on the status of each project.
• Constructing and maintaining a comprehensive Technical Construction File (TCF) which includes manuals, risk assessments, mechanical parts list and drawings.
• Carrying out machine risk assessments during the design phase to ensure Machinery Directive requirements are met.
• Leading projects during the development and installation phases of the project with pro–active and timely delivery of "problem fixes".
• Ensuring that all H&S and safety rules, guidelines and policies are understood and adhered to at all times.

To be considered for this varied and challenging role it is envisaged that the successful candidate will demonstrate considerable competence and experience in mechanical design, robotics, automation, design of mechanical mechanisms and pneumatic systems. The candidate will ideally be Degree qualified/HNC/HND or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline with a minimum of 7 years' experience in a mechanical design role ideally related to automation machinery.

The candidate will be an expert user of a 3D parametric CAD package, ideally Solidedge; however, use of Solidworks, Inventor, Creo etc would also be considered. A proven track record of successfully delivering mechanical design projects to required timescale and budgetary constraints is essential.

Knowledge and understanding of the various national and international standards for machine design and machine safety systems and requirements to CE mark machine systems is required, as is a self–motivated positive "can do" approach to problem solving. The candidate will be commercially aware of the actions and responsibilities of their role when dealing with customers and able to communicate effectively at all levels, demonstrating a track record of being part of a multi–disciplined team to solve problems.