At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of bespoke machinery and advanced engineering solutions.
- Company: Growing industrial engineering and manufacturing business in Huddersfield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and hands-on design responsibility.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting engineering projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects and lead a dynamic design team.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and strong problem-solving skills required.
W Talent are looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer or Design Team Leader to join a growing industrial engineering and manufacturing business located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The Lead Design Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of bespoke machinery and advanced engineering solutions. This is a fast-paced hands-on position where you will take ownership of projects from initial concept and customer requirements through to detailed design, manufacture, installation and commissioning. You will also provide technical leadership to the wider design team, helping to develop designs, solve engineering challenges and ensure projects are delivered to a high standard. This is not a management only role, and as lead of a small team, the successful candidate must want to carry out a good level of design work on an ongoing basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of bespoke machinery, components and engineering systems.
- Working on scheduling alongside the Head of Projects & Operational Planning, and maintaining internal engineering controls to support, mentor, and drive the design team.
- Take ownership of projects from initial concept through to manufacture, installation and commissioning.
- Produce and review detailed engineering drawings, layouts and design documentation using 3D CAD.
- Working on mechanical design, pneumatics, and rotary systems.
- Develop practical, cost-effective design solutions to meet customer and project requirements.
- Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are suitable for manufacture and assembly.
- Provide technical guidance and support to other Design Engineers within the team.
- Identify and resolve design and engineering issues throughout the project lifecycle.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams where required.
- Support installation and commissioning activities, providing engineering input and resolving issues on site and remotely.
- Help improve design processes, standards and ways of working across the engineering function.
- Carry out design work to help improve capacity.
What's Required
- Located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire this will require outside of normal working hours evening support via video call one to two times per month, plus some support on weekend installations on average once per month. Hours can be flexible to suit required support.
- On-site measure up visits in UK, Europe, and ROW areas will be required on average around 8 - 12. Some instances of travel will require overnight stays.
The Ideal Candidate
- Senior Mechanical Design Engineer looking to step into, or already operating at, a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager.
- Time-served, apprenticeship-trained or degree/HNC/HND qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong experience designing bespoke machinery, equipment or complex mechanical systems.
- Proven experience in a fast-paced design and manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience taking engineering projects from concept through to manufacture.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
- Experience of integrating electrical/electronic systems into mechanical designs would be advantageous.
- Experience working with carbon fibre or composite materials would be desirable.
- Previous experience of leading, mentoring or supporting other engineers.
- Confident working across multiple projects and managing competing priorities.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Experience using Autodesk Inventor is essential.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £50,000 - £60,000, depending on experience.
- Opportunity to take a lead role within an established and growing engineering team.
- Varied and technically interesting bespoke engineering projects.
- The opportunity to have genuine input into the design and development of new machinery and solutions.
- A role offering both hands-on design responsibility and technical leadership.
- Standard working hours are 08:00 - 17:00 Monday - Thursday, and 08:00 - 14:30 Friday. Hours can flex to support installs and measures.
- Must share in working rota for Friday cover up until 17:00 once monthly.
Lead Design Engineer in Huddersfield employer: W Talent
W Talent is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and opportunities for professional growth within the property sector. With a focus on compliance and high standards, employees are empowered to make impactful decisions while enjoying the flexibility of a field-based role across the vibrant South Mids/North London region. The company fosters collaboration with internal teams and external contractors, ensuring a supportive environment where innovative solutions thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer in Huddersfield
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Design Engineer role you’re after at W Talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at W Talent a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at W Talent.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead Design Engineer at W Talent, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at W Talent a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to W Talent specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with W Talent, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like W Talent want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
