Mechanical Design Engineer - R&D & Product Improvement

Energy Jobline ZR; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR in Exeter is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join the R&D team on permanent, full-time basis. The role offers up to £40k salary and a hybrid arrangement with one day WFH after probation.

You will lead design projects from concept to manufacture, develop 3D CAD models and 2D drawings, perform tolerance analysis, and collaborate with production, quality and supply chain to improve product performance.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Design or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering and product design principles.
• Proven experience using 3D CAD software and producing 2D technical manufacturing drawings.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes, materials and tolerances.
• Experience in product design, development and prototyping.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, use initiative and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong problem-solving, planning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and product improvement projects from initial requirements through to design, testing and production implementation.
• Develop and update 3D CAD models for new and existing products, taking designs from concept through to manufacture.
• Produce accurate 2D engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Generate sheet metal folding simulation programmes and DXF files for laser cutting and punching processes.
• Conduct tolerance analysis to ensure components are suitable for manufacturing and assembly.
• Identify and implement improvements to existing products, enhancing performance, reliability, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage engineering change requests, ensuring CAD models, drawings, specifications and supporting documentation remain accurate and up to date.
• Identify, assess and mitigate design risks throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support pre-production builds and resolve design or manufacturing issues.
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve technical issues and support effective product implementation.
• Contribute to DFMEA reviews, ensuring design requirements are met and risks are appropriately managed.
• Maintain accurate bills of materials in collaboration with technical and administrative teams.
• Lead design reviews with relevant stakeholders, balancing technical requirements and cross-functional input.
• Work closely with production engineering, quality, purchasing and product development teams to support continuous improvement and design for manufacture.

Skills

Mechanical design principles

3D CAD experience

2D drawings interpretation

Project management

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Degree in Mechanical Design or related engineering

Tools

Solid Edge

PDM/PLM/ERP experience

Job description

Energy Jobline ZR in Exeter is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join the R&D team on permanent, full-time basis. The role offers up to £40k salary and a hybrid arrangement with one day WFH after probation.

You will lead design projects from concept to manufacture, develop 3D CAD models and 2D drawings, perform tolerance analysis, and collaborate with production, quality and supply chain to improve product performance.