Lead Design Engineer in Kent

Location: Marden

Employment Type: Permanent

Flexible working hours.

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Responsible for: Application Engineers

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and technically capable Lead Design Engineer to join our engineering team, working closely with the Engineering Manager to manage design activities and ensure the successful integration and continued development of our truck-mounted sweeper product range. This is a hands-on and varied engineering role, with the opportunity to make a real impact on the technological advancement of the product range. The work will primarily involve mechanical and structural metal design, with additional exposure to hydraulics, pneumatics, plastics and, occasionally, electrical/electronic systems. The successful candidate will also play an important role in developing the engineering team, identifying training requirements and supporting the Engineering Manager with resource planning, budgets, capital expenditure and project planning.

The Role

You will spend a considerable amount of time working in and around the vehicles we manufacture and convert, taking accurate measurements and making design assessments. The role will also involve hands-on involvement during prototype development, including assembly work where required, as well as operating vehicles during testing. You will work closely with Engineering Control, Production and Quality, providing technical input and helping to ensure the continued quality, compliance and development of the product range.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptual design of new products and assemblies.
• Arrange the creation of prototype parts and assemblies.
• Support Sales with new chassis type evaluations.
• Assist the Engineering Manager with New Product Development (NPD), as required.
• Liaise with internal and external suppliers as part of the design process.
• Create 3D models and 2D detail drawings using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD.
• Create assembly and production drawings and Bills of Material.
• Create hydraulic and pneumatic circuits where required.
• Modify and amend legacy engineering data.
• Mentor the engineering team and support their development, including identifying training needs.
• Ensure the product range complies with relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Assist the Engineering Manager with the creation of the department's annual budget.
• Attend exhibitions and customer/supplier premises where required, including occasional overseas travel.
• Accompany prototypes to external test houses where necessary, including potential overseas travel.
• Attend meetings and provide technical input to support other departments.
• Work as part of a close-knit engineering team to ensure the future quality and development of the product range.

About You

You will be a practical, organised and technically minded Design Engineer with strong attention to detail and the ability to develop effective engineering solutions. You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in mechanical/structural design engineering.
• High levels of accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• A well-organised, methodical, practical and pragmatic approach.
• The ability to be imaginative and develop effective design solutions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present ideas and solutions to colleagues and customers at all levels.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, with the ability to produce high-quality technical drawings.
• Experience with AutoCAD 2D would be advantageous.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with SAP or a similar ERP system would be useful.
• The ability and willingness to take a hands-on approach to prototype development and testing.
• The ability to work collaboratively across Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales and other departments.

Leadership