Mechanical Engineering Manager

Automation Experts; Great Denham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Healthcare

6% pension

Job summary

Automation Experts in Bedfordshire seeks a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a five-person engineering team, combining hands-on design with strategic product development. You will drive technical direction, investigations and continual improvement across rotating equipment and fluid systems.

Industry standards and ATEX compliance are essential as you collaborate with customers and suppliers to deliver robust, cost-effective mechanical solutions for demanding industrial

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified Mechanical Engineer with strong background in rotating machinery and hydraulics.
• Experience leading a small engineering team and mentoring engineers.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, engineering analysis and standards.
• Chartered Engineer status welcomed; practical, hands-on approach to complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of five engineers, providing technical direction, mentoring and support.
• Hands-on mechanical design, engineering investigations and complex problem-solving.
• Provide technical leadership across rotating equipment, fluid systems and related mechanical technologies.
• Oversee design standards, product development activities and R&D projects.
• Support equipment selection, design reviews, engineering calculations and technical assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement through design optimisation, value engineering, cost reduction and reliability enhancements.
• Lead root-cause analysis using 8D, FMEA methodologies to resolve issues.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety requirements and ATEX regulations.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver viable engineering solutions.

Skills

Team leadership

Hands-on design

Rotating machinery

Hydraulics

Engineering analysis

ATEX compliance

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status (beneficial)

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Manager

£65-80k + Car Allowance, 6% Pension, Healthcare

Bedfordshire

Ref: 25796

Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineering professional looking to combine hands-on technical expertise with team leadership and product development?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established engineering business developing and delivering complex mechanical solutions for demanding industrial applications. You'll play a key role in leading a talented engineering team, driving technical innovation and improving product performance, reliability and efficiency.

The Role

• Lead and develop a team of five engineers, providing technical direction, mentoring and support.
• Take a hands-on approach to mechanical design, engineering investigations and complex problem-solving.
• Provide technical leadership across rotating equipment, fluid systems and associated mechanical technologies.
• Oversee design standards, product development activities and research and development projects.
• Support equipment selection, design reviews, engineering calculations and technical assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement through design optimisation, value engineering, cost reduction and enhanced product reliability.
• Lead technical investigations, applying root-cause analysis, FMEA and 8D methodologies to resolve engineering issues.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety requirements and ATEX regulations.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to develop effective, commercially viable engineering solutions.

The Person

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong experience in mechanical engineering, particularly rotating machinery, fluid handling and related equipment.
• A sound understanding of hydraulics, mechanical design principles and engineering analysis.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing an engineering team.
• A practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to tackle complex technical challenges.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment design, motors, materials, structural integrity and vibration analysis.
• Familiarity with engineering standards, technical specifications and design documentation.
• Experience within the water, process or wider industrial engineering sectors would be advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status, or working towards professional registration, would be beneficial.

What's on Offer?

• A senior engineering position combining technical leadership with hands‑on engineering.
• Responsibility for developing and supporting an established team of five engineers.
• The opportunity to influence product design, technical strategy and engineering standards.
• Involvement in challenging engineering projects, product development and continuous improvement.
• The autonomy to identify improvements and make a tangible impact on engineering performance.
• An attractive package of £65,000-£80,000, car allowance, 6% pension and healthcare.
• Located in Bedfordshire, this role would be commutable from Kempston, Bedford, Ampthill, Flitwick, Milton Keynes, Wellingborough, Towcester, Luton, St Neots, Huntingdon, Cambourne, Northampton, Biddenham and Rushden.

For further information please contactSarah Clarke