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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative materials handling systems and create detailed engineering solutions.
- Company: Friendly consultancy with a focus on practical engineering and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, remote work, and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy while making a real impact in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and proficiency in SolidWorks or similar software.
- Other info: Join a stable team with exciting projects and no corporate red tape.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 ÂŁ per year.
A consultancy role that doesn’t feel like “consultancy”. If you’ve worked with (or in) design consultancies before, you’ll know the reputation: constant firefighting, endless approvals, and feeling like a drawing factory. That’s not us. We’re a small, friendly engineering design team specialising in materials handling systems and supporting process plant projects. We’re remote-first, we keep things straightforward, and we give engineers the space to do good work, without unnecessary hoops. We’re a design consultancy delivering end-to-end engineering support and project management. Our outputs range from early-stage layouts and general arrangements through to detailed fabrication and installation drawings for bulk handling and materials handling equipment.
The role
- You’ll take ownership of mechanical design work from concept through detail, working closely with other disciplines and suppliers to deliver high-quality, buildable solutions.
- Producing 3D models, 2D drawings, schematics and calculations.
- Creating design deliverables from layouts/GAs to detailed fabrication drawings.
- Preparing supporting documentation (as required), such as: certification / technical dossiers, quality plans, manuals and supporting project documentation.
- Designing with precision to meet technical, safety and client expectations.
- Collaborating across disciplines and with suppliers/fabricators.
- Supporting delivery against quality, programme and budget (without the drama).
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone experienced enough to run with work independently, but who enjoys being part of a supportive team. You’ll likely have experience in some of the below:
- Plant layouts & materials handling systems (e.g., silos, conveyors, dryers, feeders, chutes).
- Structural / steelwork design & detailing (e.g., portal frames, access platforms, walkways, handrailing).
- Pipework design and detailing.
- Producing drawings that fabricators and installers genuinely like working from.
- SolidWorks (key), Tekla and/or AutoCAD, Microsoft Office.
Why join us
- Autonomy and trust, a small team where your work is visible and your ideas genuinely shape outcomes.
- Work from home set up, with only occasional visits to meetings.
- No big-corp red tape – practical engineering, straightforward communication.
- Stable clients – growing workload – good variety without constant chaos.
Package
- Salary: £45,000–£50,000 (depending on experience).
- Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays.
- Location: Remote-first (UK). Head office in Derby if you prefer occasional office time.
Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote) in Birmingham employer: Searley Owen Ltd
Contact Detail:
Searley Owen Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know about opportunities in materials handling systems. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best mechanical design projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s projects and values. Since we’re all about straightforward communication and practical engineering, be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our approach and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our small, supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechanical design shine through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about materials handling systems and can articulate why they want to join our friendly team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in plant layouts and materials handling systems. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We value clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on showcasing your key achievements and skills that relate to the role. Remember, we want to see how you can contribute without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our remote-first culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searley Owen Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical design, especially in materials handling systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with plant layouts, conveyors, and any relevant software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. This will show that you’re not just a good fit on paper but also in practice.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your contributions, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This gives the interviewers a clear picture of your problem-solving skills and your ability to deliver high-quality work.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Don’t just wait for questions to be thrown at you; come prepared with insightful questions about the team dynamics, project management processes, and how they handle collaboration across disciplines. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with other disciplines and suppliers, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a supportive team. This aligns perfectly with their company culture.
