Mechanical Handling Design Lead

Holt Recruitment; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a skilled mechanical engineer to join a specialized team focused on the performance and safety of crucial mechanical handling assets. This role offers the chance to deepen your technical expertise in a high-impact environment, ensuring the reliability of cranes and lifting equipment used in both nuclear and non-nuclear operations. The ideal candidate will enjoy hands-on engineering work, be keen to develop skills in mechanical handling systems, and thrive in a collaborative culture that emphasizes safety and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience with cranes and lifting systems.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support on mechanical handling systems.
• Contribute to design reviews and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Technical Support

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Equivalent Experience

Job description

Are you a skilled mechanical engineer with experience working with cranes, lifting systems, and safety-critical equipment? Join a specialist engineering team and support the ongoing performance and safety of key mechanical handling assets.
Play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and safety of cranes, hoists, and lifting equipment used in both nuclear and non-nuclear operations.

This is a great opportunity to deepen your technical experience in a high-impact environment where your engineering expertise truly matters.

UK citizenship and eligibility for full security clearance required.

What Youll Be Doing:

- Provide technical support on the operation, maintenance, and development of mechanical handling systems
- Contribute to design reviews and ensure systems are aligned with safety and regulatory standards
- Assist with responding to technical queries and identifying faults or defects in mechanical handling equipment
- Support maintenance regime reviews and specification of replacement parts or upgrades
- Help maintain configuration and documentation for mechanical systems, including drawings and technical records
- Participate in condition surveys, obsolescence assessments, and health reports for mechanical assets
- Work on a range of engineering projects, including modifications, system upgrades, and new equipment designs
- Apply design and safety processes throughout the engineering lifecycle from concept to implementation
- Support commissioning, installation, and testing activities when required

What Youll Bring:

- A degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Solid understanding of mechanical systems and equipment, particularly in lifting or handling applications
- Familiarity with engineering drawings, hand calculations, and safety standards
- Good communication skills and a methodical, problem-solving approach
- Willingness to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable Skills:

- Knowledge of cranes, lifting operations, or similar mechanical handling equipment
- Awareness of hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical subsystems in large industrial machinery
- Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g., defence, nuclear, aerospace)

This Role Is Perfect For You If You:

- Enjoy hands-on technical engineering work in a challenging environment
- Are keen to develop your expertise in mechanical handling systems
- Want to work on meaningful projects that support national infrastructure
- Thrive in a team-oriented culture focused on safety and technical excellence