Design Engineer

Role Overview

To support continued growth within our business, the Design Engineer will turn customer and business requirements into accurate, practical designs that can be manufactured efficiently and safely. Working closely with the design team, production colleagues and other departments, the postholder will take designs from initial concept and customer approval through to the issue of production-ready information.

The role is responsible for producing 3D models, technical drawings and manufacturing files while considering quality, cost, lead time, manufacturability and health and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of the design team delivering customer orders and internal projects within agreed timescales.
• Review drawings, specifications, measurements and customer information to understand the full design requirement.
• Develop practical designs for new products, product improvements and bespoke customer solutions.
• Produce accurate 3D models and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks for internal review and customer approval.
• Prepare drawings with clear dimensions, tolerances, materials and manufacturing details.
• Update designs following customer feedback, internal review or production queries and maintain clear version control.
• Create production-ready information, including DXF files for laser cutting.
• Check drawings and design outputs before release to reduce errors, rework, waste and delays.
• Consider how components will be cut, formed, fabricated, welded, assembled and finished when developing designs.
• Provide technical support to production and respond promptly to drawing and manufacturing queries.
• Liaise with sales, production, purchasing, customers and suppliers to clarify information and resolve enquiries.
• Communicate design progress, potential delays and technical concerns at an early stage.
• Maintain organised electronic design records and ensure drawings and supporting documents are stored correctly.
• Follow company procedures, quality standards, data protection requirements and authorised ways of working.
• Consider safe manufacture, handling, installation and use within design decisions and raise safety or quality concerns promptly.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying ways to improve products, drawing standards and design processes.
• Carry out other reasonable design and engineering duties in line with business needs.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in design or similar engineering role.
• Mechanical engineering, sheet metal, fabricated steel or manufacturing background.
• Experience producing 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and customer requirements.
• Understanding of fabrication and manufacturing processes, including cutting, forming, welding and assembly.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to checking work.
• Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to develop workable design solutions.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work across different departments.
• Ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload, meet deadlines and keep others updated.
• Ability to work independently and contribute positively as part of a team.
• Good general IT skills and a reliable approach to timekeeping and attendance.
• A positive and responsible approach to health and safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks.
• Experience using Radan or similar production software.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience preparing DXF files for laser cutting.
• Experience working within a sheet metal or fabricated steel environment.
• Experience communicating directly with customers or suppliers on technical requirements.

Pay: From £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person