Lead Design Engineer (SolidWorks)

The Role

As Lead Design Engineer you will be the sole in-house Design Engineer and will take full responsibility and ownership of our clients design function. Our client is a locally owned and operated metalwork specialist who provide bespoke and complex solutions to customers and organisations of various sizes who all have their own unique needs.

You'll be heavily involved in a range of projects at any one time, working directly with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, fabrication and installation teams to turn concepts and construction requirements into practical, accurate designs.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Design Engineer who wants be the go-to person and can take real ownership of the design function, with the potential for the role to develop into a Design / Engineering Manager position as the business continues to grow.

What is in it for you

• Chance to be the go-to person for all things design
• Opportunity to work on truly unique and bespoke projects with a high level of complexity.
• Likelihood of role developing into a Design/Engineering manager as the business grows.
• Great salary
• Work close to home from brand-new purpose built site in Tuakau
• Join a locally owned business who truly value their employees and have created an excellent working culture.

What you will be doing

You'll be responsible for producing accurate and detailed drawings, renders and design solutions that meet client requirements and provide the fabrication and installation teams with everything they need to deliver the project successfully.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating detailed 3D designs, fabrication drawings and renders using SolidWorks
• Developing designs using SolidWorks Weldments
• Converting construction designs and concepts into detailed fabrication and installation drawings
• Working with clients, architects, engineers, consultants to understand requirements and develop practical solutions
• Creating concept drawings and renders for proposals and design consultancy work
• Developing custom design solutions to improve product performance and operational efficiency
• Managing the design approval process and incorporating feedback and required changes
• Producing accurate bills of materials, dimensions, specifications and installation information
• Ensuring fabrication and installation teams have the information they need to execute projects efficiently
• Preparing and responding to RFIs (Requests for Information)
• Completing take-offs, set-outs and feasibility studies
• Researching and recommending components suitable for different applications
• Supporting new product development and R&D projects
• Assisting the Sales and Operations teams when required
• Maintaining drawing registers, templates and organised SolidWorks files
• Contributing ideas to improve Hampden's design processes and capabilities

What we need from you

Ability (and confidence) to be the Sole Design Engineer and lead the Design function.

• 3+ years' professional SolidWorks experience - non negotiable
• Strong experience withSolidWorks Weldments
• Knowledge of AutoCAD – highly beneficial
• Experience with Revit or other drawing/design software would be advantageous
• A Mechanical Engineering or other relevant Engineering qualification/background
• Experience working with steel, fabrication, manufacturing or construction
• The ability to confidently interpret construction drawings
• Strong understanding of practical engineering and how designs translate into fabrication and installation
• The ability to pass a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) check (due to the security requirements of certain clients that you will be working with)
• You have the ability (and confidence) to take ownership and responsibility of the Design function as a sole Design Engineer rather than being part of a larger design team.

You'll be:

• Methodical and process-driven, with excellent attention to detail
• Highly organised and able to juggle multiple projects and competing priorities
• Strong with time management and able to work to deadlines
• A practical problem-solver who looks for solutions rather than simply identifying problems
• Comfortable working independently as the sole in-house Design Engineer
• Confident taking the lead on design and making recommendations
• Consultative in your approach and comfortable challenging or improving an existing idea when you see a better solution
• Personable and confident communicating with customers and stakeholders
• Comfortable working with people across Sales, Operations, Fabrication and Installation
• Someone who enjoys being involved in the whole process rather than simply handing over a drawing and moving on
• Innovative but realistic...you understand that a good design ultimately needs to be fabricated, installed and work in the real world
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a growing business where the role will continue to evolve.

If you're an experienced SolidWorks Design Engineer who enjoys solving problems, working with people and taking ownership, this could be an excellent opportunity to step into a role where you can make a real impact. Get in touch with Ash or APPLY NOW to find out more