Mechanical Design Engineer - Materials Handling Systems

Searley Owen Ltd; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to work on materials handling systems. This remote-first role offers you the autonomy to manage projects from concept through detail while collaborating with a supportive team. Ideal candidates will have experience in mechanical design, particularly in plant layouts and producing quality fabrication drawings. The package includes a competitive salary of GBP45,000–GBP50,000, 25 days holiday, and a flexible work environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible remote work setup

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical design, particularly with materials handling systems.
• Ability to produce high-quality 2D/3D models and fabrication drawings.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with different disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of mechanical design work from concept to detail.
• Produce 3D models and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure buildable solutions.

Skills

SolidWorks

Plant layouts

Materials handling systems

Structural design

Pipework design

Tools

AutoCAD

Tekla

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer – Materials Handling Systems (Remote–first UK)

GBP45,000–GBP50,000 (DOE) 25 days holiday + bank holidays Optional Derby office

A consultancy role that doesn't feel like "consultancy"

If you've worked with (or in) design consultancies before, you'll know the reputation: constant firefighting, endless approvals, and feeling like a drawing factory.

That's not us.

We're a small, friendly engineering design team specialising in materials handling systems and supporting process plant projects. We're remote–first, we keep things straightforward, and we give engineers the space to do good work, without unnecessary hoops.

We're a design consultancy delivering end–to–end engineering support and project management. Our outputs range from early–stage layouts and general arrangements through to detailed fabrication and installation drawings for bulk handling and materials handling equipment.

The role

You'll take ownership of mechanical design work from concept through detail, working closely with other disciplines and suppliers to deliver high–quality, buildable solutions.

• Producing 3D models, 2D drawings, schematics and calculations
• Creating design deliverables from layouts/GAs to detailed fabrication drawings
• Preparing supporting documentation (as required), such as: certification / technical dossiers, quality plans, manuals and supporting project documentation
• Designing with precision to meet technical, safety and client expectations
• Collaborating across disciplines and with suppliers/fabricators
• Supporting delivery against quality, programme and budget (without the drama)

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone experienced enough to run with work independently, but who enjoys being part of a supportive team. You'll likely have experience in some of the below

• Plant layouts & materials handling systems (e.g., silos, conveyors, dryers, feeders, chutes)
• Structural / steelwork design & detailing (e.g., portal frames, access platforms, walkways, handrailing)
• Pipework design and detailing
• Producing drawings that fabricators and installers genuinely like working from
• SolidWorks (key), Tekla and/or AutoCAD, Microsoft Office

Why join us

• Autonomy and trust, A small team where your work is visible and your ideas genuinely shape outcomes
• Work from home set up, with only occasional visits to meetings
• No big–corp red tape – practical engineering, straightforward communication
• Stable clients + growing workload – good variety without constant chaos

Package

• Salary: GBP45,000–GBP50,000 (depending on experience)
• Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays
• Location: Remote–first (UK). Head office in Derby if you prefer occasional office time.