At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative materials handling systems and create detailed engineering drawings.
- Company: Friendly consultancy with a remote-first culture and no corporate red tape.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and flexible remote work options.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team where your ideas truly matter and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and proficiency in SolidWorks or similar software.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in a dynamic environment with stable clients and exciting projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 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:
- 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 Etwall employer: Searley Owen
Contact Detail:
Searley Owen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote) in Etwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know someone at our company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding our projects. We love candidates who can discuss their past experiences and how they relate to materials handling systems. Show us you’re ready to dive in!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your design portfolio! Whether it’s 3D models or detailed drawings, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart. We want to see what you can bring to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems (Remote) in Etwall
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 your 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 best work!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re all about practical engineering without unnecessary hoops!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our remote-first team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searley Owen
✨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 3D modelling software like SolidWorks and how you've tackled similar projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with other disciplines and suppliers, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to a successful project outcome.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about specific challenges you've faced in design work and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality, buildable solutions.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy
This role values independence, so be ready to talk about times when you've taken ownership of a project. Share how you manage your time and ensure quality without needing constant supervision, as this aligns with their remote-first approach.