Mechanical Design Engineer III

TAIT; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIT is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to manage design phases of projects, ensuring technical and budgetary compliance. This role involves oversight of project elements, development of new techniques, and mentorship of staff to foster high-performance teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master’s in Engineering and proficiency in 3D CAD tools. TAIT promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming all qualified applicants to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (typically Mechanical) or equivalent.
• 3D CAD proficient, with AutoCAD and Inventor as desirable.
• Engaged in Continuous Professional Development and relevant industry activities.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of new techniques and improved processes.
• Conduct preliminary facility impacts and high-level calculations.
• Supports project management with client meetings and site surveys.
• Mentor and guide co-workers on technical and personal development.

Skills

3D CAD Proficient (AutoCAD, Inventor)

Engineering principles and practices

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting‑edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics.

Position Purpose

The Mechanical Design Engineer is a competent and experienced design engineer, able to execute all design phases of a project (or multiple projects simultaneously). They may assume overall project responsibility or responsibility for particular project elements, and will monitor progress and report back to a senior engineer regarding technical, schedule and budgetary constraints. The MDE Level III must maintain knowledge of the cutting edge of technology in relevant subject areas. While the role does not involve any direct line management, there will be duties in delegation of work, planning, supporting and mentoring staff as required. An effective MDE Level III will demonstrate and develop leadership skills to build high‑performance teams and maintain a positive approach to all challenges.

Responsibilities

• Drives the development of new techniques and/or improved processes, documentation, or products. Familiar with company solutions across the range of disciplines.
• Has ownership of larger project elements and/or small projects, ranging from proven schemes and solutions to more complex and novel applications, uses company reporting tools to track progress and reports up to SMD/SMDE or HOD.
• Involved in/responsible for resolving key technical issues and/or unique conditions by using expertise gained through real‑world application.
• Supports bidding teams by inputting into product data sheets/client information for ‘standard products’. Conducts assessments of client requirements and standards, hazard analysis/risk assessment, concept development, scheme generation, cost estimating of proprietary items and schedule generation. This could extend to site surveys and client meetings, theory of operation, concept modelling, drawings, sketches and client presentation thereof along with assessment of potential production routes, value engineering and scope rationalizing.
• Conducts preliminary facility impacts and high‑level first‑pass calculations.
• Supports the design process by consideration of client contractual/IP requirements & standards (what level of technical documentation is required?), assessment and buy‑in/feedback against schedule and timely alerting of any deviations to aid in department resourcing. Assists in breaking down the work into specific elements or work‑packages, assigns (or keeps) responsibility. Takes the design from concept through to detailed design, design reviews and release of production drawings and BOMS, and reviews this work when done by others.
• Conducts relevant calculations typically with hand‑calcs, Excel spreadsheets, FEA and specialist software, and reviews this work when done by others.
• Supports project management with client meetings, site surveys where required, technical or commercial queries and client design team comments & requests – challenging it as appropriate. Considers shipping & installation strategy to best guide the design. Processes any received-from-client materials and drawings, then handles updates from site red‑lines, inspection – potentially including planning and supporting Site Acceptance Testing – preparation of complete project pack, formal compliance documents + O&M, labelling and signage, and final client sign‑off.
• Supports production department with respective handover meetings from design, technical or commercial queries, updates from red‑lines, inspection – potentially including planning and supporting internal and external Factory Acceptance Testing and inspection visits – and sign‑off.
• Supports legacy equipment (potentially designed by others – internal or external), via the support department or through other routes.
• Supervises all staff necessary to complete assignments (where applicable).
• Reviews and approves scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignment with supervision from others.
• Plans, schedules, or coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for their elements or projects.
• Supports, mentors and guides co‑workers, team members and others both on technical as well as on a personal level (Continuous Professional Development).
• Ensures safety and quality processes are maintained.
• Possesses and applies knowledge of more advanced engineering principles and practices with minimal supervision.
• Awareness and assessment of state‑of‑the‑art technologies and industry competition/any new market opportunities for products which may help bolster TAIT’s market position.
• Maintains good working relationships and instils confidence in colleagues throughout the organisation at all levels.
• Develops principles of high‑performance leadership and understands importance of them.
• Interacts with clients, suppliers, external & third‑party professional bodies, contractors, colleagues (internally and externally to the department), and others. Represents the company at all times in a positive fashion whilst building rapport and demonstrating integrity and respect.
• Leads departmental project meetings and makes presentations, as appropriate. Willing to listen to others, and ensures that people feel valued, appreciated and included in discussions.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (typically Mechanical), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3D CAD Proficient (AutoCAD and Inventor desirable but not essential).
• Committed to Continuous Professional Development and engaged in Industry seminars, trade shows and activities of relevant professional bodies.

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.