Design Engineering Manager

PT Engineering & Manufacturing; Witney; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PT Engineering & Manufacturing in Oxfordshire is seeking an Engineering Design Manager to lead the engineering team and drive the development of complex mechanical products. This hands-on leadership role will own the New Product Development programme from concept through to validation and production.

You will steer design for manufacture, governance, and NPD delivery, working closely with Production, Quality and Purchasing while developing the team and improving project delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering teams and driving new product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering team.
• Manage NPD projects from concept to production.
• Provide hands-on technical support using SolidWorks.
• Plan resources and ensure delivery on cost, quality and timescales.
• Improve engineering processes and design change control.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality and Purchasing to resolve challenges.

Skills

Engineering design leadership

NPD management

Team leadership

Project management

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Oxfordshire | Up to £70,000 | Permanent | Fully On-site

An established and growing specialist engineering manufacturer is looking for an experienced Engineering Design Manager to lead its engineering team and drive the development of technically complex mechanical products.

This is a hands‑on leadership role offering real influence over product development, engineering processes and the direction of the department.

You’ll take ownership of the New Product Development (NPD) programme, from initial concept through to validation and production, while developing the team and improving how engineering projects are delivered.

The Role

• Lead, develop and provide technical direction to the Engineering team.
• Manage NPD projects from concept and design through to manufacturing release.
• Provide hands‑on technical support using SolidWorks, including complex 3D modelling and design reviews.
• Plan engineering resources, manage project priorities and ensure delivery against cost, quality and timescales.
• Improve engineering processes, project governance, PDM systems and design change control.
• Work closely with Production, Quality and Purchasing to resolve technical challenges.
• Support supplier development, product quality and continuous improvement.
• Drive design for manufacture, engineering standards and product innovation.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in an Engineering Design Manager, Design Manager, R&D Manager, NPD Manager or similar position.
• Strong mechanical design background with significant SolidWorks experience.
• Experience designing complex 3D mechanical components and assemblies.
• Proven experience taking new products from concept through to production.
• Experience leading and developing engineering teams.
• Strong project management, resource planning and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, PDM systems and engineering change control.
• A practical, commercially aware leader who can balance technical quality with delivery.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £70,000, depending on experience.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an established engineering team.
• Genuine influence over engineering strategy, NPD and product development.
• Technically challenging projects within a growing specialist manufacturer.
• Long-term career opportunity with a business investing in its future.

Location: Oxfordshire — fully on-site.