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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Own mechanical design projects from concept to detail, creating 3D models and drawings.
- Company: Friendly engineering design team specialising in materials handling systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, remote work, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and make a real impact without the corporate red tape.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, plant layouts, and proficiency in SolidWorks.
- Other info: Stable clients and a growing workload with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 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 are 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
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) 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)
✨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 lead to referrals that get you noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best mechanical design projects. Include 3D models and drawings that highlight your expertise with SolidWorks or AutoCAD. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to materials handling systems. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with the role. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨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 supportive team.
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 appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we do, 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 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 best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. 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 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.
