Mechanical Design Engineer

DATS Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for an immediate start in Lancashire/Greater Manchester. This role offers an initial six-month contract and requires proficiency in Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. You will produce mechanical designs and ensure compliance with industry standards. This position is strictly on-site with a four-day working week, making it ideal for work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience with Autodesk Inventor.
• Eligible to obtain SC-level security clearance.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Produce mechanical designs using Autodesk Inventor.
• Develop designs compliant with product assurance requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and communicate design intent clearly.

Skills

Proficient in Autodesk Inventor

Strong communication skills

Understanding of steel manufacturing techniques

Education

HND in Engineering

BEng (Hons) in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Vault

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer Contract (Outside IR35)

Location: Lancashire / Greater Manchester
Duration: Initial 6–month contract (potential extension)
Hours: 37 hours over 4 days (Monday to Thursday, Fridays off)
Work Arrangement: Office–based only (no hybrid/remote)

We are supporting our client in Lancashire / Greater Manchester with the appointment of a Mechanical Design Engineer on a contract basis. This position is outside IR35, making it ideal for Limited Company contractors.

The Mechanical Design Engineer role is available for an immediate start, offering an initial six–month term with the potential for extension. This full–time position is condensed into a four–day working week, giving you Fridays off. Please note this is strictly an on–site role with no hybrid or remote working.

Role Overview

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will produce mechanical designs using Autodesk Inventor, creating 3D models, general arrangement drawings, and detailed manufacturing outputs, including assembly and fabrication drawings, BOMs, and as–built drawings, all in line with company procedures and customer specifications.

Applicants for the Mechanical Design Engineer role must have relevant experience with Autodesk Inventor and be eligible to obtain SC–level security clearance (arranged by the client).

The client welcomes applications from Mechanical Design Engineers with varying levels of experience in sheet metal design using Inventor. Contract rates are negotiable and will be discussed with suitable applicants.

Key Responsibilities

In this Mechanical Design Engineer role, you will:

• Develop designs compliant with product assurance requirements, considering the full product lifecycle.
• Eliminate health and safety risks through design in line with CDM regulations and prepare Designer s Risk Assessments.
• Produce accurate 3D models and 2D drawings in Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, meeting BS 8888 standards.
• Check all self–prepared drawings, models, and documents before submission for design checking.
• Work with analysis engineers to align designs with theoretical analysis and update models accordingly.
• Ensure designs reflect practical production and assembly considerations.
• Participate in design reviews, communicate design intent clearly, and support continuous improvement.
• Liaise with customers and project teams as required while maintaining ISO 9001 compliance.

Key Requirements

Essential:

• Either:
  • HND in Engineering with at least 5 years experience in industrial sheet/steel fabrications, or
  • BEng (Hons) in Engineering (preferably Mechanical) with at least 3 years relevant experience.
• Proficient in Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Vault.
• Understanding of steel manufacturing techniques, load paths, failure modes, and component limitations.
• Sound knowledge of BS 8888 for engineering drawings.
• Ability to prepare Designer s Risk Assessments.
• Flexible and willing to work overtime if required.
• Strong communication skills with stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Awareness of door performance testing standards.
• Understanding of drive and control systems.
• Knowledge of welding techniques and tolerancing principles.
• Experience programming templates using iLogic/VB.
• Existing or ability to obtain SC security clearance.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking for your next contract opportunity, please send your up–to–date CV along with your current situation and availability.