Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer<br />Location: South East England<br />Permanent | Flexible Working Hours<br />Are you an experienced Design Engineer who enjoys getting beyond the CAD screen and seeing your designs become reality?<br />This could be your next move.<br />We’re looking for a technically strong, hands-on Lead Design Engineer to join a close-knit engineering team and play a key role in the continued development of a specialist range of products and equipment.<br />This is far more than a traditional design role. You’ll combine mechanical and structural design, problem-solving, prototype development, testing and team leadership, with the opportunity to influence how products are designed, developed and brought into production.<br />What will you be doing?<br />Working closely with the Engineering Manager, you’ll take ownership of a varied mix of design and development projects, including:

• Designing new products, assemblies and components from concept through to production.
• Creating high-quality 3D models and 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Producing assembly drawings, production drawings and Bills of Material.
• Developing hydraulic and pneumatic circuits where required.
• Supporting prototype builds, testing and product development.
• Taking measurements, assessing designs and helping solve practical engineering challenges.
• Supporting product evaluations and new product development.
• Working with internal teams, suppliers and external partners to turn ideas into practical engineering solutions.
• Ensuring products meet relevant legislation, standards and quality requirements.
• Mentoring and developing members of the engineering team.
• Supporting resource planning, budgets, capital expenditure and project planning.
• Representing the engineering function at exhibitions and customer or supplier sites when required.
• Occasional UK and overseas travel for testing, exhibitions and customer or supplier visits.<br />Why this role?<br />Because you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference.<br />You won’t be designing in isolation. You’ll see your work move from an idea on screen, through prototype development and testing, into a finished product.<br />You’ll also have the opportunity to shape and develop the engineering team, influence future product development and work alongside Engineering, Production, Quality and Sales to drive projects forward.<br />It’s a role for someone who likes ownership, variety and getting stuck in.<br />About you<br />You’ll be an experienced Mechanical or Design Engineer with a strong understanding of mechanical and structural design and a practical mindset.<br />We’re looking for someone who:
• Has proven experience in mechanical or structural design engineering.
• Is highly accurate with excellent attention to detail.
• Is confident using SolidWorks to create professional 3D models and technical drawings.
• Has experience with AutoCAD 2D — advantageous but not essential.
• Can turn engineering challenges into practical, effective solutions.
• Enjoys working hands-on with prototypes, products and equipment.
• Can communicate technical ideas clearly to colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• Is organised, pragmatic and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Enjoys mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers.
• Works well across different departments and understands the importance of teamwork.
• Has a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience with an ERP system would be beneficial.
• The person we're looking for<br />You might currently be a Senior Design Engineer, Lead Design Engineer or experienced Mechanical Design Engineer ready to take the next step.<br />What matters most is that you’re technically capable, commercially aware and not afraid to get hands-on.<br />You’ll be just as comfortable working through a complex design in SolidWorks as you are taking measurements, investigating a problem or supporting a prototype build.<br />Ready to make your mark?<br />If you’re looking for a role where you can combine design, innovation, problem-solving, leadership and hands-on engineering, this is an opportunity worth exploring.<br />Apply now to find out more