Mechanical Design Engineer

Keys Group; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK in Cambourne is recruiting a permanent Mechanical Design Engineer to take complex mechanical assemblies from concept through detailed design, prototyping, testing, validation and production release.

You will work closely with electronics, software, and manufacturing teams, with strong emphasis on SolidWorks CAD, tolerance analysis and design for manufacture. A Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Strong CAD experience, ideally SolidWorks
• Experience taking mechanical assemblies from concept to production
• Knowledge of tolerance analysis and design for manufacture/assembly
• Experience producing engineering documentation and BOMs

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and system modules.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering calculations: tolerance stack-up, strength, thermal, space envelope studies.
• Support assembly, testing, and validation of prototypes and development rigs.
• Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for DFMA/ DFA activities.
• Lead engineering changes and product release into production.
• Generate and maintain BOMs and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners through the design process.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and methodologies.
• Present findings and updates to internal and international teams.

Skills

SolidWorks

CAD modeling

Tolerance analysis

DFM/ DFA

BOMs

Problem solving

Cross-functional work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Related discipline

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. We are seeking an ambitious and technically driven Mechanical Design Engineer to join a cutting-edge Research and 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.

• 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.
• 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 & Experience

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