Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Fabrication Equipment

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of complex fabricated and machined equipment for industrial and regulated environments. The role covers the full product lifecycle, from concept through detailed manufacturing drawings to on‑site build support, and requires a hands‑on, manufacturing‑focused approach.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical fabrications and assemblies for manufacture.
• Create 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings from concept.
• Produce fabrication drawings for laser cutting, folding, welding and assembly.
• Design precision machined components such as shafts, housings, couplings and fixtures.
• Specify tolerances, fits and machining requirements in line with ISO standards.
• Develop assemblies incorporating bearings, sleeves, keyways and bolted connections.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and workshop teams to resolve design queries.
• Support reverse engineering and redesign of existing equipment.
• Adapt designs to material availability and fabrication constraints.

Required profile

• 10+ years of mechanical design experience in fabrication or special‑purpose machinery.
• Strong background in Design for Manufacture (DfM) and producing detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Proven expertise in sheet‑metal fabrication and laser‑cutting design principles.
• Experience designing machined components and mechanical assemblies.
• Solid understanding of tolerancing, fits and machining practices (ISO standards).
• Professional‑level proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Experience with 2D CAD tools such as AutoCAD or DraftSight.
• Engineering qualification (minimum HNC/HND) and full UK driving licence.

Required skills

• SolidWorks
• AutoCAD
• DraftSight
• 2D CAD
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Laser cutting design
• Tolerance analysis
• Machining practices
• Design for Manufacture (DfM)

What we offer

• Competitive salary package based on experience
• Permanent contract
• On‑site role in Manchester