Mechanical Design Engineer

Manpower UK Ltd; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Security clearance eligibility

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Manpower UK Ltd invites applications for a Mechanical Design Engineer based in Sedgefield, County Durham. The role focuses on developing robust, lightweight mechanical assemblies for high-performance RF and microwave systems through concept to production.

You will work with RF, electronics and manufacturing engineers on concept development, prototyping, testing and volume manufacture, applying DFx principles and GD&T throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong 3D CAD design experience, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience designing precision mechanical assemblies.
• Excellent understanding of GD&T and drawing standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (CNC, sheet metal, cast).
• Experience integrating electronic assemblies or electromechanical systems.
• Strong teamwork across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for RF modules, amplifiers and high-frequency systems.
• Develop lightweight structural enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling solutions and waveguide-based architectures.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Ensure designs meet thermal, mechanical, environmental and manufacturability requirements.
• Perform thermal analysis and simulation to validate cooling strategies for high-power electronics.
• Conduct FEA analysis for vibration, shock, fatigue and structural performance assessments.
• Collaborate with RF and electronics engineers to optimise designs for RF performance, shielding and integration.
• Select materials, finishes and manufacturing processes to meet performance and cost objectives.
• Apply DFx (DFM/ DFA) principles and maintain BOMs and GD&T drawings.

Skills

3D CAD design

GD&T knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA/CFD tools

ANSYS

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sedgefield, County Durham (On-site) | Permanent | Competitive Salary + Benefits

We're working with an innovative technology organisation developing advanced RF, microwave and high-frequency communication products for demanding applications across telecommunications, aerospace, defence and space sectors.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their engineering team and play a key role in the development of complex mechanical solutions from concept through to production.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work on technically challenging products, designing mechanically robust, lightweight and thermally efficient assemblies for high-performance electronic systems.

Working closely with RF, electronics, systems and manufacturing engineers, you'll contribute to the full product lifecycle, from early-stage concept development and analysis through to prototyping, testing and volume manufacture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for RF modules, amplifiers and high-frequency systems
• Develop lightweight structural enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling solutions and waveguide-based architectures
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks
• Ensure designs meet thermal, mechanical, environmental and manufacturability requirements
• Perform thermal analysis and simulation to validate cooling strategies for high-power electronic assemblies
• Conduct FEA analysis for vibration, shock, fatigue and structural performance assessments
• Collaborate with RF and electronics engineers to optimise designs for RF performance, shielding and integration
• Select appropriate materials, finishes and manufacturing processes to support performance, reliability and cost objectives
• Apply Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout development
• Produce and maintain bills of materials, GD&T drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Support prototype builds, design validation and environmental testing activities
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing teams during development, first article approval and continuous improvement activities
• Support engineering change management activities through ECN/ECO processes
• Participate in design reviews and new product introduction (NPI) programmes

About You

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong 3D CAD design experience, ideally using SolidWorks
• Experience designing precision mechanical assemblies
• Excellent understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication and cast components
• Experience integrating electronic assemblies, PCBs or electromechanical systems
• Strong understanding of materials selection and mechanical design principles
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail

Desirable Experience

• Thermal analysis, CFD or SolidWorks Flow Simulation
• FEA tools for structural and dynamic analysis
• RF, microwave or high-frequency electronic products
• EMI/EMC shielding and RF packaging considerations
• Aerospace, defence, telecoms, space or other high-reliability industries
• Waveguides, amplifiers or RF assemblies
• PDM/PLM systems and engineering change processes
• MIL-STD, ECSS or qualification-driven design environments
• Environmental testing including vibration, thermal cycling and thermal shock

Why Apply?

• Work on cutting-edge RF, microwave and communications technology
• Take products from concept through to production
• Join a collaborative, highly skilled engineering team
• Gain exposure to advanced thermal, structural and RF-aware design challenges
• Contribute to projects supporting telecommunications, aerospace, defence and space applications
• Excellent opportunities for technical development and career progression

Additional Information

• Based at the company's Sedgefield facility (TS21 area)
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Government Security Clearance

If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer looking to work on innovative, high-performance engineering projects within a collaborative and technology-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.