Mechanical Designer / Engineer

Mechanical Designer / Engineer

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Progressive

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create innovative 3D mechanical designs and collaborate on exciting projects.
  • Company: Join a dynamic engineering team in a globally recognised organisation.
  • Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with diverse project challenges and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in pharmaceutical and defence projects while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD, plus a passion for engineering.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical CAD Designer / Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering major pharmaceutical and defence projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in projects transitioning from FEED and early design phases into detailed design, procurement, and execution.

Operating within a globally recognised engineering organisation that retains a local, agile, and collaborative culture, you'll work across multiple projects alongside mechanical and process engineering teams, helping deliver complex process plant solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Produce detailed 3D mechanical designs and models using Solid Works.
  • Generate and update 2D engineering drawings and P&IDs.
  • Develop designs for piping systems, vessels, tanks, and associated process equipment.
  • Interpret process documentation including PFDs and P&IDs.
  • Collaborate closely with Process Engineers and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Support projects through FEED, detailed design, and procurement phases.
  • Ensure deliverables are produced to agreed project milestones and schedules.
  • Contribute to multiple concurrent projects within pharmaceutical, chemical, and defence environments.
  • Strong experience using Solid Works.
  • Proficient in Auto CAD for both 2D and 3D design work.
  • Demonstrable experience in 3D modelling within industrial or process environments.
  • Ability to produce and interpret Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Understanding of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs).
  • Experience working closely with Process Engineering teams.
  • Knowledge of piping layouts, plant equipment, and mechanical design principles.
  • Background delivering projects within process-driven industries.
  • Experience within pharmaceutical, chemical, life sciences, energy, or defence sectors.
  • About the Team

Whilst part of a large global engineering business, the local operation offers a more flexible and collaborative environment with a genuine small-company feel.

The team works across a diverse project portfolio, giving engineers exposure to varied technical challenges and the opportunity to make a visible impact.

The successful candidate will be hands-on, practical, and comfortable managing multiple project priorities while working closely with engineering stakeholders.

Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales

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Mechanical Designer / Engineer employer: Progressive

Progressive is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Manchester City Centre, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary structure, uncapped commission, and a range of perks designed to support their professional growth and well-being. With a focus on the Irish Energy Transition Market, this role provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while working alongside a high-performing team in a thriving industry.

Progressive

Contact Details:

Progressive Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Mechanical Designer / Engineer

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 Progressive.

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 Progressive love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Progressive 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 Mechanical Designer / Engineer

Mechanical CAD Design
SolidWorks
AutoCAD
3D Modelling
Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
Piping Systems Design

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 Progressive and the Mechanical Designer / 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 Progressive

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 Progressive.

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 Progressive.

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 Progressive, making you a more appealing candidate.