At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of mechanical components for classic cars.
- Company: Renowned restorer of vintage and historic vehicles with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a skilled team and enjoy a dynamic work environment with exciting projects.
- Why this job: Combine your engineering skills with a passion for classic cars and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree and proficiency in CAD software required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a well-established company.
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Permanent
Salary: Competitive Salary Negotiable Depending on Experience
Location: Waterlooville Site Based with option for hybrid working in the future.
About The Company: They are a prominent and highly respected restorer of Vintage, Historic & Classic Cars with a global reputation. Their highly skilled team restore, maintain and recreate some of the most significant and valuable road and racing cars in the world.
Job Description: The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and engineering of mechanical components and systems for the restoration, recreation, and enhancement of historic and classic vehicles. The role combines traditional engineering principles with modern design technologies to produce high-quality, authentic, and reliable engineering solutions while maintaining the heritage and integrity of each vehicle. Working closely with restoration technicians, fabrication teams, machinists, project managers, and customers, the postholder will oversee projects from concept through to manufacture, assembly, testing, and final vehicle integration.
Key Duties:
- Mechanical Design - Lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for historic and classic vehicles. Produce detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation. Reverse engineer obsolete or unavailable components using physical measurements, 3D scanning, and CAD modelling. Design improvements that enhance reliability, durability, and manufacturability while maintaining historical authenticity where appropriate. Develop mechanical systems including: suspension, steering, braking, drivetrain, engine ancillaries, fuel systems, chassis components and powertrain installations.
- Engineering Leadership - Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Design Engineers and Engineering Technicians. Review and approve engineering drawings and design releases. Support continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and manufacturing. Assist in establishing engineering standards, design procedures, and documentation processes.
- Project Management - Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards. Liaise with customers regarding technical requirements and engineering solutions. Participate in project planning, design reviews, and production meetings.
- Manufacturing Support - Work closely with fabrication, machining, and restoration teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable. Resolve manufacturing and assembly issues. Support prototype manufacture and testing. Specify appropriate materials, finishes, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.
- Technical Documentation - Produce engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, design calculations, engineering reports, technical specifications and test documentation. Maintain accurate engineering records and revision control.
Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience
- Position Competencies: Proficient in SolidWorks (or highly experienced in Inventor, Catia, Solid Edge). Gear Design experience, preferably using software such as GearTrax. New part design. Reverse engineering. Knowledge of manufacturing/production methods. Knowledge of automotive mechanical systems. Experience of leading a team of Design Engineers. Experience of PLM systems. Experience of establishing or improving design standards and working practices. Experience of managing design subcontractors.
If you feel that you have the relative skills/attributes to fulfil this role then please apply now for immediate consideration. The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Southampton employer: Recruitment Helpline Ltd
Duo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the vibrant Bristol Docks, where you can contribute to prestigious projects like HS2. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that encourages career progression, Duo provides a meaningful opportunity for those looking to grow in their roles while being part of a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Southampton
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd.
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Recruitment Helpline Ltd 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 Design Engineer in Southampton
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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd and the Senior Mechanical Design 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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd.
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd.
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.