Automotive Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Milnthorpe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in commercial vehicle design seeks an Automotive Design Engineer to enhance structural integrity and manufacturability in their designs. You'll engage in developing robust chassis and body systems while collaborating with production teams to ensure high-quality standards and efficiency. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, fostering innovation and engineering excellence in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Company pension

Employee discount program

Free on-site parking

22 days holiday + bank holidays

Dynamic culture fostering innovation

Fun on-site perks like pool table

Stunning outdoor activities nearby

Qualifications

• Strong background in vehicle chassis and body systems.
• Proven experience with DFM for optimized production.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for strength and load analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust structures for trailers focusing on performance and durability.
• Integrate electromechanical systems and ensure quality control at every stage.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine designs.

Skills

Structural design

Design for Manufacturing

3D CAD software

Hydraulics

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or HND in Mechanical, Automotive, or Product Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Description

Automotive Design Engineer 45k to 53k depending on experiance

Houghton Parkhouse Ltd | Milnthorpe, Cumbria (On-site)

Full-Time | Permanent | Monday–Friday |

Design. Refine. Build. Engineer the future.

At Houghton Parkhouse, we don’t just design Commercial vehicles and trailers—we create structurally sound, highly efficient, and quality-driven transport systems. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and precision of our designs, all while optimizing for manufacturability and quality.

What You’ll Engineer

• Structural design: Develop robust and efficient body and chassis structures for trailers, focusing on load-bearing performance, strength, and durability while keeping manufacturability in mind.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work closely with production teams to create designs that are not only functional but also easy and cost-effective to manufacture at scale.
• Electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems: Integrate and optimize these systems within your designs, ensuring seamless performance and reliability.
• Tooling & fixture design: Develop jigs and fixtures that support precise assembly, improving repeatability and overall quality.
• Engineering refinement: Continuously improve your designs, iterating on structural integrity, weight reduction, and material selection to meet high-quality standards.
• CAD modeling & technical drawings: Produce detailed 3D models and manufacturing-ready technical drawings using PTC Creo or similar CAD tools.
• Quality control: Focus on achieving superior quality at every design stage by applying a detailed understanding of material properties, tolerances, and performance criteria.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with R&D, production, and service teams to refine designs and resolve challenges during the manufacturing process.
• Industry exposure: Represent Houghton-Parkhouse at trade shows and exhibitions, presenting your high-quality designs to the industry.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree or HND in Mechanical, Automotive, or Product Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong background in structural design, particularly in vehicle chassis and body systems, focusing on load-bearing and performance.
• Proven experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), ensuring designs are optimized for efficient and cost-effective production.
• Expertise in 3D CAD software—preferably PTC Creo, though SolidWorks or similar tools are welcome.
• A solid understanding of electromechanical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics with the ability to integrate these systems into designs.
• Experience designing jigs and fixtures to aid manufacturing processes and improve product quality.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for strength, load analysis, and system optimization.
• A quality-first mindset, continuously ensuring that every design meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, collaborative approach.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• 40-hour workweek + paid overtime
• Company pension
• Employee discount program
• Free on-site parking
• 22 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• A dynamic culture that encourages innovation, quality, and engineering excellence
• Fun on-site perks, including a pool table and table tennis for those moments of downtime
• Conveniently located near great food venues, perfect for lunch breaks
• On the edge of the Lake District, offering stunning outdoor activities for you to enjoy after work, including hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of the area

About Houghton Parkhouse

Houghton Parkhouse Ltd, located in South Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District, is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom-built commercial vehicles. We specialize in structural integrity, electromechanical systems, and hydraulic/pneumatic solutions, delivering products that meet the highest industry standards. All of our products are designed, prototyped, and built in-house, with a focus on quality and manufacturability.

Website: www.houghtons.com

Ready to design high-quality, robust transport systems?

Apply now or reach out to learn more about this exciting opportunity to be part of a company that prioritizes structural excellence, DFM, and quality engineering in every project.