Mechanical Design Engineer

Smedley Group; Bicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in motorsport is seeking an enthusiastic Mechanical Design Engineer to join their dynamic team. The role involves full lifecycle mechanical design, focusing on optimizing components for manufacturing. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and have strong SolidWorks skills, alongside experience in DFM/DFA principles. The position offers competitive salary and benefits with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth and development

Collaborative and innovative engineering environment

Qualifications

• Design and develop mechanical components using SolidWorks.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical design.
• Proficiency in GD&T and DFM/DFA practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage CAD data within PLM systems.
• Collaborate with suppliers for sourcing and design optimization.
• Conduct design reviews and create detailed documentation.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

We believe the world’s fastest driver hasn’t raced…yet.

FAT Karting League’s mission is to achieve mass participation in motorsport by radically reducing the barriers to entry.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Mechanical Design Engineer - with a passion for motorsport - to join our dynamic engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

This position involves full lifecycle mechanical design, supplier engagement, and a focus on DFM/DFA principles for sheet metal and machined components.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks

• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to drawings and models

• Manage CAD data within PLM systems and support CAD administration as needed

• Collaborate with suppliers for component sourcing, feasibility analysis, and design optimisation

• Ensure designs are optimised for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)

• Develop parts made from sheet metal and machined-from-solid materials, with a strong emphasis on precision and cost-effectiveness

• Support product development activities from concept through production release

• Conduct design reviews, create detailed 2D/3D drawings, BOMs, and other documentation

• Coordinate closely with cross-functional teams including procurement and build

• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives

The ideal candidate will have strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent 3D solid modelling), experience with GD&T, and a background in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 2+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in automotive or volume manufacturing

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, including complex assemblies and surfacing

• Solid understanding of GD&T standards (BS8888 or equivalent)

• Experience working within a PLM environment (e.g., 3D Experience, Windchill, Teamcenter, ENOVIA) and managing CAD data

• Hands-on knowledge of DFM/DFA best practices

• Experience designing with sheet metal and machined components

• Strong communication skills and ability to work with suppliers and cross-functional teams

• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers

Preferred skills

• Experience with tolerance stack analysis

• Basic FEA knowledge for preliminary analysis

• Familiarity with automotive standards and testing requirements

• Exposure to rapid prototyping and iterative design processes

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• A collaborative and innovative engineering environment

Smedley Group is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion, belief, sex or sexual orientation. We strive to be a team that supports diversity in the workplace and promoting an inclusive culture in which all team members are respected, empowered and valued.