Lead Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Lead Design Engineer in Sunderland. This role involves leading design projects in heavy machinery engineering, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and efficiency standards. It offers significant career development opportunities in a forward-thinking business.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or higher with a recognised apprenticeship.
• Experience in heavy engineering design, particularly in specific sectors.
• Proficient in managing and delivering engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design function ensuring safe and efficient solutions.
• Mentor the design team and manage design deliverables.
• Create complex models using various CAD software.

Skills

Problem Solving

3D CAD proficiency

Understanding of CE/UKCA regulations

Education

HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Solid Edge

Inventor

Tekla

Job description

Job Description

Lead Design Engineer

Location: Sunderland

Salary: Competitive - DoE

Jackson Hogg is proud to be partnering with a leading engineering consultancy as they expand their team with the appointment of a Lead Design Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that specialises in delivering bespoke, heavy machinery engineering projects across a range of industrial sectors.

With continued growth and a strong project pipeline, this role offers significant scope for career development. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including engineering, project management, and procurement—to lead the design function, ensuring that all solutions are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with client expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Take ownership of design deliverables for bespoke, turnkey engineering projects.
2. Lead and mentor the design team, supporting performance management and development.
3. Produce and manage large, complex models and assemblies using AutoCAD, Solid Edge, Inventor, or Tekla.
4. Create site layouts, technical drawings, part and assembly schematics, and design documentation.
5. Develop designs from sketches, specifications, and client requirements.
6. Oversee design activities from concept through to delivery, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal standards.
7. Conduct and validate work from both in-house and external design teams.
8. Support the Group Head of Design in meeting KPIs, including on-time delivery, accuracy, standardisation, and efficiency.
9. Participate in site surveys both in the UK and abroad as required.

Requirements:

• HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering (or higher), with a recognised time-served apprenticeship.
• Experience in heavy engineering design, particularly within sectors such as bulk materials handling, process, O&G, aggregates, agriculture, or similar.
• Proven understanding of bespoke mechanical systems and equipment including conveyors, crushers, shredders, elevators, and filtration systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Solid Edge, Inventor or Tekla) and AutoCAD 2D.
• Strong grasp of CE/UKCA marking regulations and design risk assessment procedures.
• Familiarity with medium to heavy fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative in complex design tasks.
• Experience managing and delivering engineering projects from concept to completion.

If you are interested in this role, please apply online or get in touch with Eleanor Buckley at Jackson Hogg to arrange a confidential chat to learn more.