Industrial Design Engineer

OAL; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative engineering firm in Peterborough is seeking an Industrial Design Engineer to design advanced robotic and automated systems for high-speed food production. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Industrial Design Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and strong SolidWorks proficiency. This hands-on role involves designing components, performing cycle time analysis, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This position offers a competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000 per annum plus excellent benefits, emphasizing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Benefits

Company Van

Flexible Working

Generous Holiday Package

Pension Scheme

Death in Service Benefit

Continuous Learning (professional fees covered)

Smart Health (24/7 online GP)

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Industrial Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience designing robotic systems incorporating standardised mechanical interfaces.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robotic tooling, machine layouts, conveyors, and automated systems.
• Translate early‑stage concepts into detailed, production‑ready 2D and 3D designs.
• Perform cycle time analysis to support process optimisation.

Job description

Location

Peterborough

Salary

£50,000 - £55,000 per annum, DOE + Excellent Benefits!

Contract

Full time, Permanent

Benefits

Company Van, Flexible Working, Generous Holiday Package, Pension Scheme, Death in Service Benefit, Continuous Learning (professional fees covered), Smart Health (24/7 online GP), Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Founded in 1993, OAL is an innovative, family‑owned engineering business based in Peterborough, driven by technology and a passion for transforming the food industry. We specialise in AI, automation, and robotics solutions that help food manufacturers boost productivity, ensure compliance, and stay ahead of the curve.

Role Overview

OAL is seeking an Industrial Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced robotic and automated systems used within high‑speed food production environments. This is a hands‑on role working across the full design lifecycle from concept development to implementation ensuring solutions are accurate, efficient, manufacturable, and commercially viable. Working closely with both Technology and Engineering teams, you will play a key part in shaping innovative automation systems that improve performance, safety, and throughput for our customers.

As Our Industrial Design Engineer You Will

• Design and develop robotic tooling, machine layouts, conveyors, and automated systems using SolidWorks and KUKA Sim Pro
• Translate early‑stage concepts into detailed, production‑ready 2D and 3D designs
• Produce factory and machinery installation layouts with a focus on optimal space utilisation and safety compliance
• Perform cycle time analysis to support process optimisation and throughput improvements
• Develop and support robotic simulations to validate feasibility and system performance
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to technical documentation
• Engage with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure designs meet both functional and commercial requirements
• Conduct FEA on designs to ensure engineering compliance
• Generate accurate Bills of Materials for all designs

Key Experience & Skills

• Experience designing robotic systems incorporating standardised mechanical interfaces (ISO 9409‑1)
• Degree (or equivalent) in Industrial Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks
• Experience designing robotic or automated systems including tooling, conveyors, and machinery layouts
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and cycle time analysis
• Experience or exposure to robot simulation software (e.g., RoboDK, Process Simulate, KUKA Sim Pro, or similar)
• Strong problem‑solving ability and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Experience in industrial automation, robotics, or material handling
• Knowledge of safety standards and machinery directives (EN/ISO 13849‑1, ISO/TS 15066)
• Experience working in fast‑paced, project‑driven engineering environments

Life at OAL

At OAL, we believe our people are key to our success. We expect everyone to act professionally, work collaboratively and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. At OAL, your ideas matter. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer – everyone is welcome!