Design Engineer

DES JOHNSTON RECRUITMENT LIMITED; Armaghbrague; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer for a dynamic role focused on robotic tank cleaning systems. Responsibilities include designing and improving complex machinery, integrating hydraulic and electrical systems, and providing mentorship to junior engineers. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong CAD skills. This position offers an opportunity to lead innovative engineering projects in the oil and gas sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience designing machines from start to finish.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of robotic tank cleaning systems.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards in oil & gas.

Skills

Mechanical systems design

Hydraulic systems

Electrical systems

CAD (SolidWorks)

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Our client is an industry leader in robotic tank cleaning, providing pioneering solutions to the oil & gas sector. Their innovative technology eliminates the need for human entry into hazardous confined spaces, delivering world‑class safety, efficiency and reliability.

Due to continued growth, our client is now looking to appoint an experienced Senior Design Engineer to take a lead role in the design, development and integration of their advanced robotic cleaning systems.

Role Overview

This is a senior, hands‑on design role, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning projects end‑to‑end, driving improvements, and supporting the wider engineering function.

You will lead the design and enhancement of complex machinery and robotic systems that incorporate hydraulics, intrinsically safe electrical systems (ATEX compliant) and pumping/vacuum solutions, ensuring systems remain robust, safe and high‑performing in challenging oil & gas environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and development improvements to ATEX Zone 0 robotic tank cleaning systems
• Integrate mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and pumping components into complete engineered solutions
• Drive innovation and optimisation to improve reliability and performance
• Ensure ongoing compliance with ATEX and oil & gas safety standards
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
• Participate in and lead design reviews, design validation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support engineering project delivery through planning, coordination and technical oversight

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced engineer who can combine technical leadership with practical design expertise.

You will ideally have:

• Experience designing machines from start to finish (e.g. dumpers, forklifts, heavy plant or industrial machinery)
• Strong capability across mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems
• Ideally 20+ years' experience in design / mechanical engineering environments
• A hands‑on mindset — comfortable supporting practical work when required
• Happy to spend approximately 80% of your time in design, while also being able to manage a team and lead projects

Essential Criteria

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or similar discipline)
• Minimum 7+ years' experience in a similar role
• Strong working knowledge of hydraulics / industrial machinery / mechanical systems
• Confident leading projects and driving engineering activities
• Strong CAD skills (preferably SolidWorks)

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of ATEX / IECEx or explosion‑proof design principles
• Experience with pumping and vacuum systems
• Background in oil, chemical plant maintenance, tank cleaning or decommissioning systems