Design Engineer (Autocad)

CV Technical; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

CV Technical Limited is seeking a hands-on Design Engineer in Leicester to take designs from concept to manufacture and installation. You will create GA and fabrication drawings, predominantly 2D with some 3D modelling, applying DFM and DFA to ensure cost-effective production.

The role requires practical, hands-on experience beyond CAD software, with strong attention to detail and collaboration with fabrication teams and project managers.

Qualifications

• Hands-on design experience within mechanical/manufacturing environments.
• Experience producing engineering drawings and fabrication drawings.
• Strong understanding of DFM and DFA principles.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials, and installation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Produce GA, layout and fabrication drawings.
• Create predominantly 2D drawings using AutoCAD; 30% 3D modelling.
• Apply DFM and DFA to designs for manufacturability and installability.
• Collaborate with fabrication teams, suppliers, PMs and commissioning engineers.
• Attend site surveys and take measurements for accuracy.
• Review and update drawings per feedback; maintain revision history.

Skills

Hands-on design

2D drafting

DFM & DFA

Fabrication knowledge

Installation requirements

Education

HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Design Engineer

Location: Leicester

Salary: £47k

Are you a hands‑on Design Engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and practical experience in Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)?

We are looking for a practical, detail-oriented engineer who enjoys taking designs from concept through to manufacture and installation. You will play a key role in producing engineering drawings and developing 2D and 3D designs that are suitable for real-world fabrication and assembly.

Importantly, we need someone with genuine, hands‑on design experience - not simply someone who can operate CAD software.

The Role

• Producing detailed general arrangement (GA), layout and fabrication drawings.
• Creating predominantly 2D drawings using AutoCAD, with 3D modelling where required (approximately 30% of the workload).
• Applying DFM and DFA principles to ensure designs are practical, efficient and cost-effective to manufacture and install.
• Working closely with fabrication teams, suppliers, project managers and commissioning engineers.
• Attending site surveys and carrying out measurements to ensure design accuracy.
• Reviewing and updating drawings based on customer and internal feedback.
• Maintaining drawing registers, revision histories and document control.
• Ensuring designs meet relevant engineering, health and safety and quality standards.

About You

To be successful, you will ideally have:

• Proven hands‑on Design Engineer experience within a mechanical, manufacturing or industrial engineering environment.
• Strong 2D AutoCAD skills and experience producing detailed engineering and fabrication drawings.
• Practical experience applying DFM (Design for Manufacture) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• A good understanding of fabrication processes, materials, assembly methods and installation requirements.
• The ability to turn engineering requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.
• An HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant industry experience.

What We're Really Looking For

Someone who understands engineering beyond the screen. You should understand how designs are manufactured, fabricated, assembled and installed, with a practical mindset, strong attention to detail and the confidence to challenge and improve designs where necessary.

Essential: Hands‑on AutoCAD design experience, alongside demonstrable practical knowledge of DFM and DFA.