At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design innovative mechanical solutions for underground utility detection.
- Company: SPX Technologies, a global leader in engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, competitive insurance, educational assistance, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while leading cutting-edge engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive mechanical product development experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Building the people that build the world. With platforms in HVAC and Detection and Measurement, SPX Technologies builds innovative solutions that enable a safer, more efficient, sustainable world. Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support them in their continued development. We’re a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators, and our businesses build solutions that impact the world.
As part of Detection and Measurement, Radiodetection is a global leader in the design and development of equipment and software used by utility companies to install, protect, and maintain underground infrastructure networks. Through precision and magnetic locators and ground penetrating radar, we help prevent damage to infrastructure utilities and protect lives.
How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)
SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As the Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will elevate Radiodetection’s engineering excellence by leading both the mechanical architecture and the mechanical engineering team responsible for delivering complex, ruggedized electromechanical platforms for underground utility detection and monitoring equipment. Reporting into the Engineering Manager in Bristol, this is a senior engineering role that bridges innovative R&D and high‑volume industrialisation. You will shape and influence the mechanical roadmap, set clear technical and behavioral standards, and lead a team of mechanical engineers to deliver high‑quality products with a first‑time‑right mindset, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and performance in demanding real‑world environments.
What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)
- Mechanical Architecture & Technical Direction: Define and lead the mechanical architecture for multi‑disciplinary product lines, ensuring seamless integration between mechanical, electrical, and firmware systems.
- Engineering Strategy & Standards: Establish, own, and continuously improve SolidWorks CAD standards, engineering best practices, and a rigorous design‑review culture across the team.
- Team Leadership & Capacity Planning: Lead, develop, and resource the mechanical engineering team to support both current programs and future product roadmap needs.
- Modeling & Simulation Excellence: Ensure effective use of FEA, CFD, and tolerance analysis across the team to validate designs early and drive engineering certainty.
- Industrialisation & Manufacturing Leadership: Act as senior technical partner to contract manufacturers, ensuring right‑first‑time transfer from design to high‑volume production.
- DFM/DFA & Tooling Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for Design for Manufacture and Assembly activities, tooling design, mold‑flow analysis, and production fixtures.
- Reliability, Quality & Risk Management: Lead DFMEA activities, ensure ruggedization for harsh environments (including IP protection and impact resistance), and maintain focus on long‑term product durability.
- Problem Solving & Corrective Action: Lead complex root cause investigations and drive robust, data‑driven corrective actions across products and processes.
- Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of Kaizen and apply Six Sigma methodologies to continuously improve quality, yield, and productivity.
What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)
We each bring something to the table, and we are looking for someone who has:
Required Experience
- Extensive experience in mechanical product development, delivering complex electromechanical products across the full product lifecycle, from concept through production and industrialisation.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing mechanical engineering teams within a product development environment.
- Strong track record of defining mechanical architectures and guiding products to successful production and sustainment.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expert‑level proficiency in SolidWorks.
- Deep knowledge of high‑volume manufacturing processes, including plastic injection molding, over-molding, and die‑casting.
- Strong experience with tooling design and simulation‑based mechanical validation.
- Demonstrated application of DFMEA, Six Sigma, 8D, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong cross‑functional leadership capability, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) or a related discipline.
- Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications preferred.
Travel & Working Environment
- Occasional travel to manufacturing partners and development sites.
- Mix of office‑based leadership, hands‑on design and review activities, and manufacturing engagement.
How we live our culture
Our culture is at the center of what we do and, more importantly, who we are. Our core values set a standard for how we manage ourselves, and our Leadership Model sets the standard for how we engage with each other. Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX.
Why you should join us
We know that the well-being of our employees is integral. Our benefits include: Generous holiday with ability to buy/exchange, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave Access to competitive insurance plans (including medical, dental and travel), cycle to work and free parking from your first day Generous life assurance and employer contributions to company pension plan Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs.
Our commitment to embrace diversity to build a culture of inclusion at SPX. We value different backgrounds, experiences, and voices at SPX, and we are committed to challenging ourselves, openly communicating, and striving to improve every day. We believe in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to realize their fullest potential.
Lead Mechanical Engineer in Bristol employer: SPX Technologies
At SPX Technologies, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located in Bristol, our commitment to employee development through the RiSE framework ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement while working on cutting-edge technology that makes a real-world impact. With competitive benefits, a focus on work-life balance, and a diverse, inclusive environment, joining our team as a Lead Mechanical Engineer means becoming part of a community dedicated to building a safer and more efficient world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer in Bristol
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like SPX Technologies.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like SPX Technologies love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of SPX Technologies and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for SPX Technologies and the Lead Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at SPX Technologies
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at SPX Technologies.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at SPX Technologies.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with SPX Technologies, making you a more appealing candidate.
