Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Tec Partners; Retford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established engineering solutions provider in Retford, England, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to take ownership of the design function and oversee high-quality outputs. This role involves leading a small team, managing workloads, and ensuring compliance with design standards. Candidates should have a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and advanced proficiency in SolidWorks. Benefits include hybrid working options and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including Simulation.
• Experience leading or mentoring design engineers.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise the daily workload of the design department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop design engineers.
• Review and approve design outputs.
• Collaborate with engineers to deliver robust designs.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks

Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles

Excellent organisational skills

Hands-on experience in a workshop

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

A well-established engineering solutions provider is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to take ownership of its design function and oversee the delivery of high-quality mechanical design outputs. This senior role involves leading a small design team, managing workloads, and ensuring all design work meets technical, quality, and production requirements. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing both existing and new product ranges, working collaboratively across technical, projects, and manufacturing teams to bring designs from concept through to production.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise the daily workload of the design department in line with project and business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop design engineers, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Review and approve design outputs to ensure accuracy, compliance, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with internal and external engineers to deliver robust and efficient designs.
• Support the development of new products and enhancements to existing designs.
• Conduct design reviews, structural assessments, and factor of safety calculations.
• Produce and check detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks (or equivalent software).
• Liaise with production and project teams to ensure seamless transition from design to manufacture.
• Contribute to technical documentation, including manuals, test plans, and installation guides.

Requirements

• Essential:
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (including Simulation; PDM experience beneficial).
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience in a workshop or fabrication environment.
• Understanding of HSEQ systems (ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001).
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience leading or mentoring design engineers.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Desirable:
• Experience working on bespoke or engineered-to-order mechanical systems.
• Practical experience in product assembly or site-based work.

Benefits

• Hybrid working options
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Supportive, collaborative working environment