Lead Design Engineer (Automotive Aftermarket)

G54; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

G54 in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop performance-oriented automotive components. This role involves hands-on work and collaboration with leadership to refine designs based on real-world testing. Ideal candidates will have a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles, strong CAD capabilities, and 4–7 years of relevant experience. The position is focused on performance improvements for vehicles and involves direct access to in-house CNC machining capabilities.

Qualifications

• Typically 4–7 years in a design / mechanical engineering role.
• Experience with real, physical components and assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop performance-oriented automotive components for CNC machining.
• Work closely with the Director to make design and product decisions.
• Iterate designs through real-world testing and machining feedback.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

CAD capability (Fusion 360, SolidWorks)

Reverse engineering experience

Understanding of CNC machining processes

Designing functional manufacturable parts

Job description

We are building a new automotive engineering business focused on the design and manufacture of high-quality CNC-machined components.

Our focus is on performance-led parts—components that improve how vehicles function, perform, and behave, rather than simply replacing existing parts.

Our approach is simple: performance is achieved through correct engineering decisions, not just styling or marketing buzz.

We operate with in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability, allowing us to design, prototype, and refine products quickly and properly.

Our work will span a range of modern performance and high-end vehicles — from OEM+ upgrades through to more specialised applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and develop performance-oriented automotive components for CNC machining
• Work closely with the Director to make design and product decisions
• Translate concepts into production-ready, manufacturable parts
• Iterate designs through real-world testing and machining feedback
• Consider tolerances, materials, and constraints from the outset
• Support validation, refinement, and continuous improvement of products
• Contribute to defining internal standards for how components are designed and developed

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This role is:

• hands-on and practical
• collaborative and discussion-led
• focused on improving products through engineering

This role is not:

• a corporate “Head of Engineering” position
• a pure CAD execution role

What We’re Looking For

Core Skills

• Solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles
• Strong CAD capability (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Reverse engineering experience - form 3d Scans or base components
• Good understanding of CNC machining processes and constraints
• Ability to design parts that are both functional and manufacturable

Experience

• Typically 4–7 years in a design / mechanical engineering role
• Experience working with real, physical components and assemblies

Mindset

• Detail-focused and methodical
• Comfortable working in a small, developing business
• Open to collaboration and technical discussion
• Interested in improving how things work, not just producing designs

Nice to Have (Not Essential)

• Interest in cars and automotive engineering
• Exposure to CNC machining environments
• Experience with performance or aftermarket automotive components

Why This Role Is Different

• Direct access to in-house 4 and 5-axis CNC machining capability
• Opportunity to work on performance-focused components across a range of modern vehicles
• Ability to design, test, and refine parts quickly
• Involvement in real product decisions from day one
• Close working relationship with the Director/GM
• Opportunity to help define the engineering standards of the business as it grows.

Final Note

We are not looking for someone to simply fill a position. We are looking for someone who wants to be involved in building a business focused onimproving performance cars through proper engineering, from the first decision through to the finished part.