Lead Design Manager (Portsmouth) — AI-Driven CAD & Growth

The Workshop; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Workshop in Portsmouth is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead our design team within a growing precision engineering and manufacturing business. You will drive innovation, modernise engineering processes and shape the future by introducing new technologies to support expansion plans.

With a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and 7+ years CAD design experience, you will mentor engineers, oversee CAD models in Autodesk Inventor, and collaborate across sales and manufacturing to deliver

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 7+ years CAD design experience within precision engineering or manufacturing.
• Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Inventor.
• Proven experience managing and leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of design engineers, producing and maintaining detailed 3D CAD models and drawings.
• Create accurate manufacturing drawings, including tolerances, materials and finishes.
• Review and streamline design processes to improve efficiency.
• Introduce AI-assisted tools to enhance CAD modelling and automate repetitive tasks.
• Support the development of CAM processes and future manufacturing capabilities.
• Mentor junior engineers and support future apprentices.
• Collaborate with sales and manufacturing teams to optimise customer solutions.
• Develop new products using emerging technologies, including 3D printing.

Skills

CAD design

3D modelling

Technical drawing

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

The Workshop in Portsmouth is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead our design team within a growing precision engineering and manufacturing business. You will drive innovation, modernise engineering processes and shape the future by introducing new technologies to support expansion plans.

With a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and 7+ years CAD design experience, you will mentor engineers, oversee CAD models in Autodesk Inventor, and collaborate across sales and manufacturing to deliver