Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Reed; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to craft bespoke machinery in Leicester. The role involves designing complete systems and integrating various technologies, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on development and project delivery.

Candidates should bring 5+ years of mechanical design experience and be proficient in 3D CAD tools, with exposure to multi‑disciplinary integration across robotics, electronics and automation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' mechanical design experience.
• Strong 3D CAD experience across multiple platforms.
• Ability to design machinery as a complete system.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design and development of bespoke machinery.
• Designing complex mechanisms, assemblies and integrated systems.
• Developing 3D CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Working with electrical and automation engineers to integrate technologies.
• Reviewing designs for manufacturability, reliability and performance.
• Supporting machine builds and resolving engineering challenges.
• Helping deliver projects from initial design through to installation.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

Systems integration

Engineering principles

Tools

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo

Job description

Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Bespoke Machinery

Leicester Up to GBP55,000 DOE

Have you spent the last few years designing complex machines and want to put that experience to use on something new?

You don't necessarily need to come from a traditional automation background to be a great fit for this opportunity.

Perhaps you've designed special purpose machinery, worked on mechatronic equipment or developed complete machines where mechanical systems integrate with electronics, robotics or automation.

If you've been responsible for turning complex engineering concepts into working machinery, we'd be interested in speaking with you.

We're recruiting for an established engineering business that designs and manufactures bespoke machinery and automated solutions for a variety of industries.

What makes the role interesting?

Rather than working on the same product repeatedly, you'll be involved in different engineering challenges, designing machinery tailored to specific customer requirements.

You'll take responsibility for:

• Mechanical design and development of bespoke machinery.
• Designing complex mechanisms, assemblies and integrated systems.
• Developing 3D CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Working alongside electrical and automation engineers to integrate different technologies.
• Reviewing designs for manufacturability, reliability and performance.
• Supporting machine builds and resolving engineering challenges.
• Helping deliver projects from initial design through to installation.

About you:

We're looking for an engineer with 5+ years' mechanical design experience and a strong understanding of how machinery works as a complete system.

Relevant backgrounds include:

• Special purpose machinery and bespoke equipment.
• Mechatronics and electromechanical machinery.
• Complete machine design and build projects.
• Machinery integrating robotics, electronic controls or automated processes.
• Complex mechanical equipment incorporating multiple engineering technologies.

Strong 3D CAD experience is important, but we're open to engineers using Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor or Creo.

Why explore this role?

You'll have the opportunity to apply your engineering experience to varied projects, broaden your exposure to automation technologies and take greater ownership of machinery design and delivery.