Mechanical Design Engineer

New Appointments Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

5 weeks leave

Competitive package

Job summary

New Appointments Group is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Ashford, Kent. The role involves delivering bespoke mechanical designs from concept to manufacture, with hands-on involvement in tooling, machinery and process plants.

You will produce detailed drawings and documentation, support customers, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical for production. Some international travel is required.

Qualifications

• HND or higher qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience using AutoCAD and Inventor, or other 3D design packages.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and how these apply to mechanical design.

Responsibilities

• Undertake mechanical design work across heavy machinery, tooling and process plant.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Work on bespoke, customer-specific designs from concept through to manufacture.
• Provide technical support to customers.
• Work closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and suitable for production.
• Travel occasionally, averaging 2–3 trips per year.

Skills

Bespoke design

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

HND or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Ashford, Kent - on site with some international travel.

If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer with 1-2 years experience and looking for a varied role involving bespoke engineering projects and hands‑on involvement with the manufacturing process, we'd be keen to hear from you.

We are currently recruiting for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join an established engineering business. This is an opportunity to work on a variety of mechanical design projects, covering machinery, tooling and process plant, with responsibility for taking designs through from initial concept to manufacture.

Working Hours & Benefits

• Full‑time position, 37 hours per week.
• Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–4:30pm.
• Friday: 8:00am–1:00pm.
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Competitive employment package.

Reporting directly to the Chief Engineer, you will be involved in all aspects of mechanical design, producing technical drawings and documentation, as well as providing technical support to customers. Much of the work is bespoke and customer‑specific, offering plenty of variety and the opportunity to work on one‑off machinery and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake mechanical design work across heavy machinery, tooling and process plant.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Work on bespoke, customer‑specific designs from concept through to manufacture.
• Provide technical support to customers.
• Work closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and suitable for production.
• Travel occasionally, averaging 2–3 trips per year.

Essential Requirements

• HND or higher qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience using AutoCAD and Inventor, or other 3D design packages.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and how these apply to mechanical design.

Desirable Experience

• Practical understanding of inspection and quality control procedures.
• Experience with metal machining processes.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.