Mechanical Product Development Lead / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Birmingham | £45,000-£55,000 + 10% bonus + benefits
Take an ambitious product vision. Own it. And bring it to life.
We're partnering with an exciting, well-funded UK technology start-up at a pivotal point in its journey. Founded by two ambitious entrepreneurs and recently backed by US investment, the business has developed an innovative AI-enabled consumer product combining sophisticated mechanical, electrical, electronic, and thermal technologies. But what exists today is only the beginning.
The architecture for the company's next-generation commercial product is already taking shape. Now they need an exceptional mechanical engineer to help turn that vision into reality. This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of a product's development. We're looking for someone smart, creative, organised, intensely curious and hungry to build.
The opportunity
Working closely with the founders and wider engineering team in Birmingham, you'll become one of the key people responsible for developing the next generation of the company's technology. You'll start with an existing product, an established technology platform and a vision for its future commercial application. Your job is to connect the dots.
What have we already built? Where does the commercial product need to get to? What do we already know will work? Where are the gaps? And what engineering, technology and design decisions will get us there?
You'll take those questions and turn them into a structured product development programme. That means mechanical design, prototyping and testing - but it also means systems integration, research, certification, supplier engagement, technology selection, and real-world product discovery.
What you'll own
You'll take significant ownership for the mechanical development and integration of a complex physical product, including:
- Developing the mechanical architecture from concept through prototype, validation, and manufacture
- Owning parts, assemblies, and production drawings
- Integrating mechanical, electrical, electronic, thermal, gas, and control systems into one cohesive product
- Identifying technical gaps and creating structured development plans to resolve them
- Exploring different technologies and engineering approaches rather than defaulting to what's been done before
- Designing precision mechanisms, enclosures, seals, and thermally managed assemblies
- Applying GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure designs work reliably in production
- Selecting materials and finishes for demanding environments
- Using thermal and mechanical analysis to de-risk designs before prototyping
- Designing for manufacture across sheet metal, CNC, additive manufacturing, fabrication, stamping, and casting
- Developing prototypes, test methods, and validation programmes
- Driving reliability, durability, and life testing
- Working with suppliers to turn technical requirements into manufacturable components
- Maintaining disciplined CAD, BOM, revision and engineering change data
- Supporting product certification and generating the engineering evidence required to achieve it
- Managing the day-to-day development activity required to keep the programme moving forward
Some of the most important answers won't necessarily be found in Birmingham. This role will involve international travel, including Canada and the US, as part of product research, certification, and development. That could mean working alongside certification specialists, visiting suppliers, investigating technologies, or spending time with potential commercial users to understand how products are used in the real world.
Who we're looking for
Your background could come from: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Biomedical / MedTech, Robotics, Consumer Products, Automotive, Industrial Design, Advanced Engineering. However, industry isn't the deciding factor. You may already have several years of product development experience and have taken complex mechanical products from concept into manufacture. Or you may be earlier in your career but able to demonstrate exceptional technical ability, creativity, and ownership.
The person matters
We're looking for someone who is genuinely hungry to create something.
You'll probably be the sort of engineer who can't help asking why?
You'll research technologies outside your immediate discipline.
You'll be comfortable saying, "I don't know yet, but I'll work it out."
And crucially, you'll be able to turn that curiosity into execution.
Why join?
Because you won't be joining to maintain somebody else's finished product. You'll be joining to create what comes next. The company has secured investment, developed its core technology and has significant ambitions for international growth. The next stage is about taking everything they've learned and applying it to an ambitious new commercial product.
If you're looking for a tightly defined engineering role where somebody else has already decided what needs to happen and how to do it, this probably isn't for you. But if you're the kind of engineer who hears "this is what we've built, this is where we want to get to - now help us work out how" and immediately wants to get started, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Lead in Birmingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like SF Partners Careers, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Mechanical Lead at SF Partners Careers.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
