Lead Design Engineer

Owen Daniels; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Daniels is seeking a skilled Lead Design Engineer in Manchester to lead mechanical design for heavy industry projects, from concept through to completion. The role offers a permanent position with a salary of £45,000–£50,000 depending on experience, and a Monday to Friday pattern.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in material handling, fabrication, welding, and site installations, plus a degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven leadership abilities to mentor junior

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Lead Design Engineer or Senior Design Engineer.
• Engineering qualification such as Degree, HNC, or HND in Mechanical Engineering.
• Ideally 10 years in engineering/design environments.
• Minimum 3 years in material handling, heavy fabrication, welding or large-scale project delivery.
• Experience in Oil & Gas, Power or similar heavy engineering sectors.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate across departments.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical projects from concept through to completion.
• Produce and review detailed drawings, models, and technical documentation.
• Oversee material handling systems, heavy fabrication, welding, and site installations.
• Support delivery of large-scale projects in Oil & Gas and Power sectors.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production and site teams for practical design solutions.
• Ensure designs meet engineering standards, specifications and safety requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure project success.
• Support continuous improvement and engineering best practices.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Project Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Organisational Skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Lead Design Engineer

Are you an experienced Lead Design Engineer looking for your next challenge? Do you have a strong background in heavy engineering, material handling, fabrication, and large-scale project delivery? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Our client, a well-established engineering business, is seeking a skilled Lead Design Engineer to join their team in Manchester. The successful candidate will bring strong mechanical engineering expertise, leadership capability, and practical experience delivering complex engineering projects within heavy industry sectors.

Lead Design Engineer

Permanent position

Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 (DOE)

Monday to Friday

ManchesterLead Design Engineer

Job Description

• Lead the design and development of mechanical engineering projects from concept through to completion
• Produce and review detailed engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation
• Oversee projects involving material handling systems, heavy fabrication, welding, and site installations
• Support the delivery of large-scale engineering projects within sectors such as Oil & Gas and Power
• Work closely with manufacturing, production, and site teams to ensure practical and efficient design solutions
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant engineering standards, specifications, and health & safety requirements
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and design staff
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure successful project delivery
• Support continuous improvement activities and contribute to engineering best practice

Lead Design Engineer

Essential Experience / Skills / Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Lead Design Engineer or Senior Design Engineer position
• Engineering qualification such as Degree, HNC, or HND in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Ideally 10 years’ experience within engineering and design environments
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within material handling, heavy fabrication, welding, site installations, or large-scale project delivery
• Experience working within industries such as Oil & Gas, Power, or other heavy engineering sectors
• Strong understanding of fabrication and manufacturing processes
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate across multiple departments
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and lead within a team environment
• Full UK driving licence desirable