Design Manager - Mechanical - Aviation

Laing O'Rourke; Kenilworth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A major construction firm in the UK seeks a Design Manager to lead mechanical design packages for aviation projects. The role involves collaboration with diverse teams to ensure safety, compliance, and innovation in design. Applicants should possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience. A commitment to inclusive workplaces is paramount, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

Structured development programs

Professional accreditation support

Opportunities across exciting sectors

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Mechanical design management

Influencing multi-disciplinary teams

Design governance knowledge

Risk management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

BIM

Job description

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.

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