Mechanical Engineer - Contractor

ESCO Maritime; Rugeley; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ESCO Maritime seeks a Mechanical Engineer – Contractor to deliver mechanical solutions from concept through to manufacture and deployment. The role requires strong technical capability, with the ability to manage complex activities and mentor junior engineers.

You will contribute to product and process improvements, support project delivery, and ensure outputs meet safety, quality, and cost targets within a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering solutions from concept to manufacture.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modelling and drawings.
• Experience applying FEA to support design decisions.
• Strong GD&T knowledge and interpretation of drawings.
• Experience in DFMA and manufacturing guidance.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems, components, and assemblies.
• Produce and review drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
• Develop robust engineering solutions from concept through to manufacture and implementation.
• Apply FEA and other analyses to support design decisions.
• Ensure compliance with standards, regulations, and procedures.
• Support technical reviews and engineering assurance activities.
• Deliver work packages on time and within budget.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Problem solving

Independent management

Time management

Regulatory standards

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

Job description

At ESCO, engineering is more than just designing components, it's about delivering critical solutions that protect people, assets, and infrastructure in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Our engineers work on complex, bespoke products that support vital industries where performance, reliability, and safety are paramount. Every project presents new challenges, offering the opportunity to apply innovative thinking, influence meaningful outcomes, and see designs progress from concept through to manufacture and deployment.

If you are passionate about solving real-world engineering problems and want to be part of a team that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ESCO offers a rewarding environment where your work genuinely makes a difference.

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Engineer – Contractor is responsible for the delivery of mechanical engineering solutions from concept through to manufacture and implementation. The role requires strong technical capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to independently manage complex engineering activities while supporting the development of junior engineers.

The successful candidate will contribute to product and process improvements, support project delivery, and ensure engineering outputs are safe, compliant, and delivered to the required quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Delivery

• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems, components, and assemblies.
• Produce and review engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
• Develop robust engineering solutions from concept through to manufacture and implementation.
• Apply engineering analysis techniques, including FEA, to support design decisions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, regulations, and company procedures.
• Support design reviews, technical reviews, and engineering assurance activities.

Project Support

• Deliver engineering work packages to agreed quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Manage technical risks and support resolution of engineering issues.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Support project planning, estimating, and progress reporting activities.

Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Support manufacturing, assembly, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Apply Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles throughout the design process.

Qualifications / Skills

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Extensive mechanical engineering experience, with a proven track record of delivering engineering solutions from concept through to manufacture and implementation.
• Proficient in SolidWorks for 3D modelling, assembly creation, and technical drawing production.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to interpret and apply results to support design decisions.
• Strong understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience producing engineering drawings, calculations, technical specifications, and design documentation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a pragmatic approach to engineering challenges.
• Effective communicator, capable of engaging confidently with customers, suppliers, project teams, manufacturing personnel, and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to independently manage technical activities and support less experienced engineers.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Familiarity with applicable engineering standards, regulations, and quality management processes.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within defence, nuclear, aerospace, energy, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers.
• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Previous experience working within an IFS-managed engineering environment, with a sound understanding of engineering change control, document management, Bill of Materials (BOM) management, workflows, and project tracking within IFS.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, assembly, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and engineering governance processes.

Key Competencies

Technical Excellence

• Strong mechanical design capability.
• Sound engineering judgement and decision-making.
• Ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems.

Communication

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication.
• Ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.

Leadership

• Takes ownership and accountability for engineering deliverables.
• Leads by example and promotes best engineering practice.

Note: All candidates must meet the security vetting requirements relevant to the role. For reasons of national security, applicants must be British nationals. Dual nationals may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

• This role has been assessed as Inside IR35**