Mechanical Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Buckingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic engineering firm is seeking skilled Mechanical Design Engineers to lead the design and development of innovative mechanical systems. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and over 5 years of experience, with proficiency in CAD software. The role offers a hybrid working environment, competitive salary, benefits including a performance bonus, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

8% pension

Performance bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare cover

36 days’ annual leave

Flexitime scheme

Dynamic company culture

Qualifications

• UK Bachelors or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Automotive Engineering.
• >5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Working experience of CAD software and PLM software.
• Understanding of engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong familiarity with fundamental mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex mechanical systems.
• Create detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
• Conduct engineering calculations and simulations.
• Manage mechanical design work packages within scope and schedule.

Skills

CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CREO)

Basic hand calculations

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

UK Bachelors or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLM software (e.g. Teamcenter, 3DExperience)

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Hooper Quinn for three skilled and highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineers to join our team. Our ideal candidates will be practical and creative solvers of mechanical engineering problems, specialised in combining a deep understanding of engineering fundamentals with experience in diverse industries to accelerate a range of projects to effective solutions. Working semi-autonomously alongside a team of highly accomplished engineers, the successful candidates will take responsibility for the design and development of a range of new products and technologies from multiple sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on variety to join a dynamic and high-performing technical team backed by a rich and supportive culture.

Term: Permanent

Location: Hybrid / on-site in Buckinghamshire

Salary: £45,000 - £57,500 (plus benefits)

Positions available: Three

Start dates:

1. Engineer One: November 2025
2. Engineer Two: February 2026
3. Engineer Three: May 2026

Package: Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 8% pension
• Performance bonus scheme
• Comprehensive healthcare cover (extendible to dependants)
• 36 days’ annual leave (inclusive of Bank hols.)
• TOIL policy
• Cycle2Work scheme

Development & Growth

• Significant opportunities for professional development
• Exposure to diverse, cutting-edge projects across multiple industries
• Mentoring and support from senior engineers

Culture & Environment

• Flexitime scheme
• A critical role within a thriving, ambitious, and innovative organisation
• Work alongside a close-knit team of exceptional people who excel in their fields
• Supportive working environment in a modern and inspiring facility situated in the Buckinghamshire countryside

Team & Lifestyle

• Quarterly team days
• Annual company ski holiday
• Dynamic company culture with a balance of hard work and fun

Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Engineering Delivery

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical systems, assemblies, and components from concept to production
• Create detailed CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings to industry standards (e.g., GD&T, BS8888)
• Conduct engineering calculations and simulations to validate structural integrity, thermal performance, and system dynamics
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and design iterations, working closely with suppliers and in-house build and assembly teams
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, balancing performance, cost, and lead time considerations

Project Execution & Collaboration

• Manage mechanical design work packages, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, budget, and schedule
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, software, and systems engineers to develop integrated solutions
• Represent the mechanical teamdiscipline in client meetings, design reviews, and project workshops
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and interns
• Support preparation of technical documentation, including BoMs, test plans, and design reports

Quality & Process Improvement

• Maintain high engineering standards and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, codes, and client specifications
• Contribute to internal process development, toolchain improvement, and knowledge sharing
• Support risk assessments, DFMEAs, and design sign-off procedures
• Continuously identify opportunities for product and process optimisation through data-driven design refinement
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, and become an ambassador for the wider company’s values

Skills & Qualifications:

• UK Bachelors or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Automotive Engineering, or similar
• >5 years of relevant industry experience (following graduation). industries include: motorsport (F1), green energy and carbon capture, product development, future powertrains, marine propulsion and ocean robotics, and sports technologies
• Working experience of CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CREO) and PLM software (e.g. Teamcenter, 3DExperience)
• Confident with basic hand calculations, component sizing, and a working understanding of FEA
• A fundamental understanding of engineering materials (metallic/composite/plastic), fabrication processes and their application, as well as a variety of manufacturing techniques and when to employ them
• Strong familiarity with fundamental mechanical systems (e.g. bearings, shafts, casings, hydraulics, pneumatics)
• Hands-on engineering experience is desirable, be it having made, built, or restored a mechanical system
• Ability to understand project plans quickly, use task management platforms to manage workloads autonomously, and work efficiently to deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both in a team and independently, and interact with stakeholders at all levels

Company Overview

Hooper Quinn is a trusted engineering, technology, and innovation partner, rooted in a legacy of British engineering excellence. Founded in 2016, our team of curious, principled engineers draws on a rich Formula 1 pedigree to bring strategic thinking, high-calibre technical execution, and an entrepreneurial spirit to everything we do. From tackling complex challenges to accelerating breakthrough technologies, we work with resilience, craft, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. Today, we uphold a reputation for solving complex challenges at speed, providing expertise to businesses and entrepreneurs through a range of services that form a complete product and technology development ecosystem.

We welcome you to visit our website at www.hooperquinn.com to read more about our history, philosophy, and ambition, meet our team, and explore the diverse projects and services we deliver.

Hooper Quinn is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to apply

To apply, please submit the following to [e-mail], using ‘V0525 – Mechanical Design Engineer’ as the subject of your email:

1. CV
2. Cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and your motivation for joining Hooper Quinn
3. Response to the Application Exercises detailed below

You are welcome to include relevant work samples/portfolio in support of your application.

Important

1. Applications will not be considered if any of the three required documents is missing
2. Only applications submitted to the above email address will be considered

Application Exercises

At Hooper Quinn, we are incredibly proud of our culture and the team we’ve built. These short exercises are designed to give us an insight into how you think, communicate, and approach challenges, and equally, to give you a feel for the types of situations you may encounter in this role.

We’re not looking for “perfect answers.” Instead, we’re interested in your judgement, mindset, and approach. Please take no more than 1 hour to complete the exercises.

EXERCISE (Culture & Values)

Our values guide everything we do. In your own words, please describe what the following values mean to you, and how you would put them into practice in your day-to-day work:

• Purposeful Collaboration
• Tenacious Curiosity
• Efficient Agility
• Proactive Responsibility

(Max 750 words total)

Thank you for taking the time to complete these exercises. We appreciate the effort you put into your application and look forward to learning more about you.