Design Engineer

Design Engineer – Greater Manchester (Precision Castings & Engineering) About our client Our client is a UK-based, family-owned metal manufacturing specialist located in Manchester. They offer end-to-end solutions including investment casting, die casting, forging, metal injection moulding (MIM), machining, rapid prototyping, heat treatment, surface finishing, and full QA/inspection services. The company serves critical markets such as aerospace, oil & gas, medical, rail and defence, and is ISO 9001-accredited with advanced in-house CAD engineering and simulation capabilities. Job Summary As a Design Engineer at our client, you will play a key role in bridging customer design intent with production reality. You’ll engage in CAD development, casting simulation, design for manufacture, tooling specification, and close cross-functional collaboration to support both prototype and high-volume projects. Key Responsibilities * Create and refine CAD models and engineering drawings for metallic cast components, including design for investment casting and machining stages. * Run casting simulation and analysis using in-house tools to predict defect risks, pouring systems, and tolerances. * Work alongside production, prototyping, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet strict industry standards (e.g., aerospace, oil & gas). * Develop first-article prototypes and iteratively optimise designs based on feedback and inspection results. * Generate tooling and gating layouts and liaise with internal or external toolmakers on part tooling design. * Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including design specifications, ISIR reports, control plans, and tolerance analyses. * Provide engineering support during production setup, inspection, heat treatment, finishing, and assembly phases. * Attend client-facing meetings to understand requirements, provide technical guidance and present engineered solutions. * Stay abreast of materials, casting methods (precision, die, MIM), design trends, and regulatory requirements in key sectors. * Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reduce scrap and improve cycle time. Essential Requirements * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Product, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience. * Proficient in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent). * Experience in casting or design for manufacturing of metallic components, ideally in investment casting or machining environments. * Strong understanding of engineering tolerancing, GD&T, surface finish requirements, and inspection standards. * Ability to interpret and author detailed technical drawings (2D and 3D). * Good knowledge of materials used in casting: stainless steels, carbon steels, aluminium, cobalt/nickel alloys, etc. * Familiarity with casting simulation or process analysis tools is a plus. * Excellent communication, project coordination, and problem-solving capabilities. * Strong attention to detail, planning skills, and ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Desirable * Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping or 3D printing for casting applications. * Knowledge of post-processes: heat treatment, finishing, machining, assembly workflows. * Familiarity with regulatory specifications (e.g. defence, aerospace, medical, ATEX/Baseefa). * Familiarity with ERP systems or bespoke production control tools. * An interest or experience in tooling design or gating layout. What’s On Offer? * Permanent, full-time role based at their Greater Manchester site. * Competitive salary reflecting skills and experience. * Exposure to high-value engineering projects in demanding sectors. * Access to modern CAD, simulation, and prototyping facilities. * Professional development opportunities. * Great working environment with a collaborative, quality-focused culture