Design Engineer

Holt Engineering; Poole; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Engineering is seeking a Senior Design Engineer in Poole to lead design activities from concept to production and installation support. You will produce SolidWorks models and detailed drawings, and collaborate with manufacturing and project teams to optimise cost and manufacturability.

The role combines hands-on design with people leadership, enabling you to guide the design team while solving practical engineering challenges across development, prototyping and field deployment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in an engineering design role within manufacturing or similar environments.
• Excellent proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modelling and detailed drawings.
• Able to read, interpret and produce technical drawings and documentation.
• Experience leading and coaching a design or engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead design activity from concept through production and installation support.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings and specifications using SolidWorks.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation and troubleshooting.
• Work with manufacturing, installation, procurement and project teams to ensure design for manufacture.
• Provide day-to-day leadership within the design function.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D modelling

Design for manufacture

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Design Engineer

Poole, Dorset

Design Engineer salary: £41,500 - £46,000

Please note: only applicants with the full‑time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.

Design Engineer Overview:

• Lead design activity from concept through to production and installation support
• Produce SolidWorks models, drawings, specifications and technical documentation
• Support product development, prototypes, testing, validation and troubleshooting
• Work closely with manufacturing, installation, procurement and project teams
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching and structure within the design function

This Design Engineer role is with an established manufacturing business in Poole, supporting the design and development of engineered products and systems from concept through to production. The Senior Design Engineer will lead technical design activity, produce detailed SolidWorks models and drawings, support product improvement, and work closely with internal teams to ensure designs are practical, compliant and cost‑effective. This Senior Design Engineer position also includes day‑to‑day leadership within the design function, making it well suited to someone who combines strong technical design ability with the confidence to support and guide others.

The Design Engineer role

As Senior Design Engineer, you’ll take a lead role in developing new and existing products, reviewing technical documentation, supporting design changes and helping improve manufacturability, performance and cost. The role involves working across Design, Development, Manufacturing, Installation, Procurement and Project Management, so the Senior Design Engineer needs to be comfortable balancing technical detail with practical delivery.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role rather than a purely managerial position. The Senior Design Engineer will still be involved in CAD, drawings, specifications, design analysis and problem‑solving, while also helping the design team work in a more structured and consistent way.

Day‑to‑day responsibilities of a Design Engineer

• Lead design activity across new products, components and engineered systems
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings and specifications using SolidWorks
• Take concepts through detailed design, production release and installation support
• Carry out tolerance analysis, design reviews, risk assessments and technical checks
• Review and approve technical documentation and engineering changes
• Support prototype development, testing, validation and troubleshooting
• Work with manufacturing teams to improve buildability, cost, quality and lead times
• Liaise with installation, procurement, project management and third‑party design partners
• Provide technical input during customer or client discussions where required
• Manage design workload, priorities and KPI information to support delivery targets
• Coach and support design team amembers in day‑to‑day technical and process matters
• Monitor productivity, accuracy and adherence to agreed design processes
• Highlight performance or process gaps and support practical improvements
• Promote safe, compliant and consistent ways of working across the design function

What they’re looking for -Design Engineer

• Strong experience in an engineering design role within manufacturing, fabrication, structural products or similar
• Confident using SolidWorks for 3D modelling, drawings and detailed design work
• Able to read, interpret and produce technical drawings and specifications
• Good understanding of engineering fundamentals, manufacturing processes and design for manufacture
• Experience leading, coaching or managing people within a design or engineering team
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across internal teams and external contacts
• Able to make sound decisions under pressure and keep design activity moving
• Comfortable managing priorities, deadlines, design workload and project information
• Familiarity with ERP, PLM or PDM systems
• Calm, professional and consistent approach to people, technical issues and operational pressure

Desirable - Design Engineer

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Knowledge of structural products, fabricated assemblies, heavy equipment or construction‑related manufacturing
• Understanding of relevant standards such as ISO, ASME or AWS
• FEA, simulation or structural analysis exposure
• Experience with value engineering, cost optimisation and design improvement activity
• Previous involvement in prototype builds, testing, installation support or site‑related engineering issues

What’s on offer - Design Engineer

• Senior Design Engineer salary: £41,500 - £46,000
• A Senior Design Engineer role with a strong mix of hands‑on design, product development and day‑to‑day team leadership.
• The opportunity to influence how the design function operates, while still staying close to technical design, manufacturing and delivery.
• A varied manufacturing environment where practical design, communication and leadership will make a visible difference.