Design Engineer

Design Engineer - Manufacturing & Tooling

Barnsley

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000

Monday to Thursday: 7:30am - 4:30pm

Friday: 7:30am - 1:30pm

An established and growing UK manufacturer is looking to recruit a Design Engineer to join its engineering team at a modern production facility in South Yorkshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for a mechanically biased engineer with experience in jig and fixture design, manufacturing processes, and CAD systems. You will play a key role in supporting production through the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, fixtures, and bespoke manufacturing equipment.

Working within a fast-paced engineering environment, you will collaborate with design, production, and project teams to deliver robust, cost-effective solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop production jigs, fixtures, and bespoke manufacturing equipment.
• Lead tooling projects from concept through to manufacture, commissioning, validation, and implementation.
• Ensure tooling solutions consistently produce components to drawing specifications and quality standards.
• Support manufacturing teams by identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and supporting technical documentation.
• Develop and maintain calibration, maintenance, and control procedures for production tooling.
• Work closely with engineering and production stakeholders to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Manage projects involving external suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring delivery against agreed targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and design for manufacture.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to tooling modifications and development projects.

About You

• Degree or HND qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong 2D and 3D CAD experience (any modern CAD package considered).
• Previous experience designing and developing jigs, fixtures, and production tooling.
• Understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Experience

Experience within some of the following manufacturing processes would be advantageous:

• Laser, plasma, or waterjet cutting
• Presswork and cold forming
• CNC machining (milling and turning)
• EDM machining
• Surface and cylindrical grinding
• Automated and robotic welding
• Fabrication and welded assemblies
• Mechanical assembly operations
• Automated and semi-automated manufacturing environments

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual company bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced pension contribution scheme
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Retail discount platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee referral programme
• Free on-site parking
• Subsidised refreshments
• Long-term career progression opportunities within a successful manufacturing business

If you're a Design Engineer looking to join a forward-thinking manufacturing organisation where you can make a real impact on production performance and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.