Design Engineer Team Leader

First Fence Limited; Woodville; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

First Fence Limited is seeking a seasoned Design Engineer Lead for on-site work in Woodville. Manage design, prototyping, testing, certification and manufacturing release of security, gate, fencing and fabricated steel products. Lead the engineering team to deliver accurate CAD models and production drawings using SolidWorks.

You will apply DFM principles, review BOMs, mentor junior engineers and ensure timely, commercially viable engineering outputs within a fast-growing company.

Qualifications

• Lead design and development of security, gate, fencing and fabricated steel products.
• Produce accurate 3D CAD models and production-ready drawings using SolidWorks.
• Take technical ownership from concept through prototype, testing, approval and manufacturing release.
• Apply Design for Manufacture principles considering fabrication capabilities and production efficiency.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, models, BOMs and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new and existing security, gate, fencing and fabricated steel products.
• Produce and review accurate 3D CAD models, complex assemblies and production-ready manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Take technical ownership of projects from initial concept through to prototype, testing, approval and manufacturing release.
• Apply robust Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles, considering fabrication capabilities, tolerances, material availability, assembly sequences and production efficiency.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, models, BOMs and manufacturing documentation produced by the Design Engineering team.
• Act as the escalation point for complex technical problems and engineering decisions.
• Provide day-to-day technical and operational leadership to the Design Engineering team.
• Allocate workload according to business priorities, individual capability and project requirements.
• Monitor workload, project progress and departmental capacity to ensure key deadlines are achieved.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior and less experienced engineers and drawing staff.
• Identify skills gaps and implement plans to close them.
• Promote a culture of technical ownership, accountability and high-quality engineering output.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Design ownership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Independent working

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Location: On site / Woodville, Swadlincote DE11 8ED, UK

job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Engineering | Design

Salary: Competitive salary

Welcome to First Fence - where security meets innovation!

As industry pioneers in Security and Temporary Fencing, we're all about unbeatable service and competitive prices. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.

Hours: 45 hours per week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 08:00-16:30

Location: First Fence Ltd, Kiln Way, Swadlincote DE11 8EA

• Same-day delivery across the UK
• Six strategic locations, including our National Distribution Centre
• Extraordinary growth since 2010
• Industry innovators setting new standards

Ready for an exciting journey in a thriving company? Join First Fence, where we're not just securing spaces; we're securing the future.

To be responsible for managing projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, physical testing, certification, factory approval, and final manufacturing release, while also ensuring the wider engineering team delivers accurate, timely, and commercially viable engineering outputs.

Key responsibilities

Design Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and development of new and existing security, gate, fencing and fabricated steel products.
• Produce and review accurate 3D CAD models, complex assemblies and production-ready manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Take technical ownership of projects from initial concept through to prototype, testing, approval and manufacturing release.
• Apply robust Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles, considering fabrication capabilities, tolerances, material availability, assembly sequences, installation requirements and production efficiency.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, models, BOMs and manufacturing documentation produced by the Design Engineering team.
• Act as the escalation point for complex technical problems and engineering decisions.
• Provide day-to-day technical and operational leadership to the Design Engineering team.
• Allocate workload according to business priorities, individual capability and project requirements.
• Monitor workload, project progress and departmental capacity to ensure key deadlines are achieved.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior and less experienced engineers and drawing staff.
• Identify individual and departmental skills gaps and implement structured plans to close them.
• Promote a culture of technical ownership, accountability, continuous improvement and high-quality engineering output.

Engineering Standards & Drawing Quality

• Establish, maintain and improve company Design Engineering and drawing standards.
• Ensure consistent application of drawing conventions, tolerances, weld symbols, material specifications, revision control and manufacturing information.
• Carry out technical and drawing reviews before information is released to manufacturing.

New Product Introduction & Project Management

• Lead and support the definition and implementation of the company's N.P.I. process.
• Establish clear engineering requirements, responsibilities, milestones and deliverables for new product development.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing and other departments throughout the development process.
• Ensure new products are fully documented before manufacturing release.
• Proven experience within steel fabrication, structural steel, gates, fencing, perimeter security or similar engineering environments.
• Strong experience designing fabricated metalwork and complex assemblies.
• Advanced/expert knowledge of SolidWorks, including 3D modelling, assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Practical understanding of fabrication, welding, materials, tolerances and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrable experience managing engineering projects from initial concept through to manufacture and release.
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or supervising other engineers or drawing staff.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacture and practical engineering problem solving
• Ability to work independently while providing technical direction to others.
• Previous experience in a formal Team Leader, Senior Engineer or Engineering Supervisor position.
• Experience managing engineering workloads and allocating resources.
• Experience with engineering change control systems, including ECRs and ECNs.
• Experience implementing engineering process improvements.
• Experience with product certification, testing bodies or technical audits.

Ready for an exciting journey in a thriving company? Join First Fence, where we're not just securing spaces; we're securing the future.

At First Fence, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe in the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and we promote a culture that celebrates individual differences and embraces a wide range of perspectives. We firmly stand against any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our recruitment process is fair and unbiased, ensuring that all applicants are evaluated solely on their qualifications, skills, and experience. We strive to provide equal opportunities for career growth and development, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. By joining our team, you will become part of a vibrant and inclusive community where your unique contributions are valued, and where diversity is not only respected but celebrated.

Join Us for a Career Beyond Ordinary!