Mechanical Design Engineer in Ilkeston

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our clients growing team which manufacture some of the best known theme park rides and attractions across the UK and World. The successful candidate will work in a creative engineering environment where mechanical design, manufacturing, safety, and guest experience come together. Our projects are varied, technically interesting, and often highly bespoke, ranging from new ride systems and upgrades through to detailed documentation, manufacturing support, and installation.

This role would suit someone who enjoys producing accurate, well-structured engineering work and wants to be closely involved with real products being manufactured, assembled, tested, and installed. You will work alongside project and design colleagues, supporting project delivery by producing high-quality SolidWorks models, drawings, BOMs, documentation, and technical information in line with company standards and best practice. The ideal candidate will complement the project engineering function by bringing strong attention to detail, CAD capability, documentation discipline, and a practical understanding of manufacturing.

This is not a narrow desk-based CAD role. You will see your work progress from design and documentation through to manufacture, assembly, testing, and installation. For the right person, this is an opportunity to become a key part of a specialist engineering business producing safe, reliable, and exciting ride systems for the attractions industry.

Duties

• Producing and updating 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Creating accurate drawing packs, bills of materials, exploded views, DXF files, and supporting production information.
• Supporting the design and development of bespoke ride systems, mechanical assemblies, barrier systems, gates, structures, and related equipment.
• Working closely with project engineers, workshop staff, fabricators, suppliers, and installation teams to ensure designs are practical, clear, and buildable.
• Updating drawings and documentation in response to design changes, manufacturing feedback, client requirements, and project reviews.
• Producing and supporting technical documentation, including operating and maintenance manuals, spare parts lists, schedules, datasheets, and supporting design records.
• Assisting with design risk assessments, technical files, calculations, and compliance documentation where required.
• Liaising with suppliers and fabricators to support component selection, manufacturing queries, and procurement information.
• Supporting continuous improvement of standard products, drawing templates, documentation processes, and design procedures.
• Helping ensure project design outputs are delivered accurately, on time, and to the required company standards.
• Providing practical engineering support during manufacture, assembly, testing, and installation where required.

Essential Skills:

• Mechanical engineering qualification, ideally degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in mechanical design or a similar engineering role.
• Demonstrated 3D CAD experience, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings and technical documentation.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to work to engineering procedures, standards, and deadlines.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience with SolidWorks PDM or similar document control systems.
• Experience carrying out or supporting engineering analysis and design validation, including first-principle calculations, load assessments, component sizing, centre of gravity calculations, wind loading, FEA, structural checks, fatigue considerations, or similar mechanical design justification work.
• Experience creating operating and maintenance manuals.
• Experience producing exploded views, spare parts lists, DXF files, and BOMs.
• Experience in fabrication, sheet metal, structural steelwork, mechanical systems, or special-purpose machinery.
• Knowledge of design risk assessments, safety-related documentation, or regulated engineering environments.
• Experience working with theme parks, ride systems, attractions, automation, or bespoke machinery.

Hours: Mon - Fri (08:00 - 16:30)