Design Manager - Mechanical - Aviation

Laing O'Rourke; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm in the UK is seeking a Design Manager specializing in mechanical packages to drive aviation projects. This role involves leading the management of mechanical design from concept to handover, ensuring technical excellence and compliance. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 5 years of experience, ideally in regulated environments. The firm values inclusive workplace culture and offers professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Structured development

Professional accreditation support

Opportunities in various sectors

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience managing mechanical design packages from concept to handover.
• Proven ability to effectively influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of mechanical design packages across major aviation projects.
• Ensure design progress aligns with programme, safety, and technical requirements.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital working methods.

Skills

Ability to influence and coordinate

Knowledge of design governance

Experience in sustainability practices

Strong risk management skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

AtLaing O'Rourke, we're delivering some of the UK's most ambitious aviation projects – creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable airports for the future. To support this, we're looking for a Design Manager specialising in mechanical packages to join our Aviation portfolio.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the design and delivery of complex, high-profile infrastructure.

Why this role matters

As a Design Manager, you'll ensure all mechanical design information is reviewed, coordinated, and delivered to the highest standards of technical excellence, safety, and compliance. You'll collaborate with world-class consultants, clients, and construction teams – influencing outcomes from early design through to handover.

Your expertise will help us integrate DfMA, sustainability, and digital solutions into every project, ensuring buildability, efficiency, and future-ready performance.

What you'll do

• Lead the management of mechanical design packages across major aviation projects.
• Oversee design progress, ensuring alignment with programme, safety, and technical requirements.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital ways of working.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to optimise solutions.
• Provide assurance that designs comply with statutory regulations and contractual obligations.

What you'll bring

We value transferable experience – so while aviation sector knowledge is a plus, we're equally keen to hear from those in rail, healthcare, defence, life sciences, or other highly regulated environments where complex mechanical systems are central.

Essential:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Chartered or working towards).
• 5+ years' experience managing mechanical design packages from concept to handover.
• Proven ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of design governance, statutory compliance, and risk management.

Desirable:

• Aviation or large infrastructure project experience.
• Familiarity with DfMA, MMC, or digital design processes (e.g. BIM).

Why Laing O'Rourke?

We're committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Level 3 Employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. If you're passionate about design leadership, but don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

You’ll join a business that invests in its people – offering structured development, professional accreditation support, and opportunities to work across some of the UK's most exciting sectors.