Mechanical Engineer

Location: Northern Diver – Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9AE, UK

Department: Engineering / Product Development

Reports To: Engineering Manager / Head of Engineering

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Permanent - ON-SITE

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in the design, development, verification, and manufacture of mechanical systems and components, particularly within safety‑critical, high‑reliability applications. The role requires strong 3D/2D CAD proficiency, hands‑on engineering capability, and an understanding of full product lifecycle management from concept through to certified production release. The engineer will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative and manufacturable solutions that meet strict performance, regulatory, and environmental requirements.

Example Projects

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing and continuous improvement of innovative diving and safety equipment. Projects may include:

• Odyssey Full Face Mask – Developing and refining a specialist diving mask, incorporating mechanical design, component integration, performance testing and safety-critical engineering.
• LAWS (Low Air Warning System) – Developing and improving an underwater warning system, with a focus on mechanical components, system integration, reliability and performance verification.
• Heated Diving Gloves – Supporting the development of heated thermal protection equipment for divers, including component design, material selection, environmental testing and durability improvements.
• NIMROD Underwater Navigation System – Contributing to the development of an underwater navigation system, including mechanical design, component integration, product testing and environmental performance.

These projects offer the opportunity to work across the full product development lifecycle, from initial concepts and prototyping through to testing, certification and manufacture, helping to deliver high-performance equipment for demanding operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Design mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks, Autodesk, or equivalent 3D CAD software.
• Produce detailed 2D technical drawings with GD&T, limits & fits, surface finishes, and full manufacturing details.
• Develop products using a range of manufacturing methods including CNC machining, injection moulding, forging, and additive manufacturing.
• Conduct material selection based on operating environment, strength, corrosion resistance, temperature, and safety standards.
• Create exploded views, BOMs, assembly documentation, and design specifications.

Project Engineering & Lifecycle Management

• Manage full lifecycle delivery of mechanical projects from concept generation through to validation, certification, and production release.
• Conduct DFMEA, Production FMEA, time studies, PPAP documentation, and create SOPs for production teams.
• Develop technical files including verification/validation test reports, compliance documentation, and user instructions.
• Coordinate cross‑functional project teams, including electronics, software, manufacturing, quality, and external suppliers.

Testing & Verification

• Design and build test rigs, fixtures, and jigs for mechanical testing and verification.
• Conduct design verification testing, including high‑pressure, depth, corrosion, and environmental performance tests.
• Collaborate with external laboratories, notified bodies, and test houses for CE, PPE Regulation 2016/425, and relevant certification.
• Perform root cause analysis (hands‑on and CAD‑based) and implement corrective actions.

Manufacturing & Production Support

• Support production operations through engineering guidance, troubleshooting, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Provide technical training for workshop staff and assembly technicians.
• Conduct inspection activities using measurement tools such as micrometers, verniers, shadowgraph, and custom gauges.
• Assist with designing custom tools, checking gauges, and process improvements for efficient assembly.

Technical Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical support, and ensure product performance.
• Provide technical guidance on component interaction, manufacturability, and cost‑effective design.
• Support marketing and sales with technical insights, product details, and training.
• Participate in international travel for end‑user training, product support, and collaborative development.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in mechanical design and engineering within manufacturing or safety‑critical environments (e.g., SCUBA, SCBA, marine, pneumatic, hydraulic, or defence applications).
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and/or Autodesk CAD tools for modelling, assemblies, and technical drawings.
• Extensive knowledge of GD&T, limits & fits, material selection, and engineering tolerances.
• Experience with testing, verification processes, and documentation for regulatory compliance (e.g., CE, PPE, BS EN standards).
• Hands‑on experience with workshop tools, machinery, soldering, crimping, brazing, and prototyping.
• Knowledge of design methodologies including FMEA, DFMEA, PPAP, and NPI.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise workloads, and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes: CNC machining, injection moulding, forging, assembly, and electromechanical integration.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 5 HND (or above) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience working with military, MOD, fire & rescue, or industrial safety equipment.
• Experience designing safety‑critical products operating in extreme environments (pressure, corrosion, depth, thermal).
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with external notified bodies and certification authorities.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail with a passion for high‑quality engineering.
• Hands‑on, practical approach with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Confident communicator who works well both independently and within cross‑functional teams.
• Adaptable, fast learner with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to lead tasks, mentor team members, and take ownership of projects.

Pay: From £38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• How many years of professional experience do you have in mechanical design and product development?
• Which 3D CAD software have you used professionally for mechanical design and assembly modelling?
• What level of experience do you have producing detailed engineering drawings, including GD&T, limits and fits, and manufacturing tolerances?
• Have you been involved in taking a mechanical product from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing and production?
• What practical experience do you have building prototypes, assembling components, using workshop equipment or carrying out mechanical testing?
• Describe your experience designing tests, building test rigs or verifying the performance and reliability of mechanical products.
• Have you designed or developed products for safety-critical, regulated or demanding operating environments?
• What is your highest relevant engineering qualification?

Work Location: In person