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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of mechanical design from concept to detail in a supportive team.
- Company: Friendly engineering design consultancy specialising in materials handling systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, remote work, and no corporate red tape.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and make a real impact in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, SolidWorks, and collaboration with teams.
- Other info: Stable clients and growing workload with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ 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: GBP45,000–GBP50,000 (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) 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)
✨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, especially those involving plant layouts and materials handling systems. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your SolidWorks and AutoCAD skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve designed buildable solutions, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote)
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 want to see how your skills align with what we do, so don’t be shy about showcasing your SolidWorks or AutoCAD expertise!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication, so keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and fluff; instead, focus on your key achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, we’re looking for practical engineers!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our remote-first setup!
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.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves collaboration across disciplines, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team. Discuss how you communicate with suppliers and other engineers to ensure smooth project delivery. This will demonstrate that you value teamwork and can thrive in a supportive environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, the types of projects you'll be working on, and how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you too.
