Mechanical Design Engineer

Manpower UK; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK in Cambourne is recruiting a permanent Mechanical Design Engineer to drive complex mechanical assemblies from concept to production release. The role collaborates closely with electronics, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver precision scientific instruments.

You will create detailed 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks, perform tolerance analyses, and contribute to manufacturability decisions. A mechanical engineering degree and strong problem-solving skills are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven mechanical design or product development experience.
• Strong CAD experience, ideally SolidWorks.
• Experience designing complex precision engineered assemblies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and product development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and system modules.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses, strength and thermal calculations.
• Support assembly, testing, and validation of prototypes and development rigs.
• Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for DFx and DFA activities; lead changes and product release.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Technical documentation

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

This permanent Mechanical Design Engineer post sits with Manpower UK in Cambourne, supporting a research and development group building next-generation scientific instrumentation. The successful candidate takes complex mechanical assemblies and system modules from concept through detailed design, prototyping, testing, validation and production release. Close collaboration with electronics specialists and wider engineering colleagues is central. Applicants should demonstrate strong computer-aided design ability, ideally SolidWorks, plus precision engineering knowledge, tolerance analysis, materials selection and design for manufacture. A degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience is expected, alongside a methodical approach to problem solving. Salary ranges from £45,000 to £75,000 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialist nature of this position. Mechanical Design Engineer Department: Randamp;D Reporting To: Engineering Manager - Randamp;D

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and technically driven Mechanical Design Engineer to join a cutting-edge Research andamp; Development team focused on the development of next-generation scientific instrumentation. This is an exciting opportunity to work on highly sophisticated, precision-engineered products where innovation, creativity, and engineering excellence come together. You will play a key role in developing complex mechanical assemblies and system modules, taking products from concept through design, prototype development, testing, validation, and production release. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will collaborate closely with electronics, software, systems, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to deliver industry-leading solutions that push the boundaries of technology.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of high-precision mechanical systems and assemblies used in advanced scientific and industrial applications. You will support projects throughout the entire product development lifecycle, contributing to both new product development and the continuous improvement of existing technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and system modules.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses including: Tolerance stack-up analysis Strength and stress calculations Thermal analysis Space envelope studies Design verification activities
• Support the assembly, testing, and validation of prototypes and development rigs.
• Investigate technical issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to support Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities.
• Lead engineering changes and support product release into production.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering documentation, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external development partners throughout the design process.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and help shape engineering processes and methodologies.
• Present technical findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and international project teams.

What We''r Looking For

• Essential Requirements Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience within a Mechanical Design or Product Development environment.
• Strong CAD experience, ideally using SolidWorks.
• Experience designing complex precision-engineered assemblies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and product development methodologies.
• Experience producing engineering documentation, drawings, and BOMs.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills andamp; Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following industries are particularly encouraged to apply: