NPI Mechanical Design Engineer / Manufacturing Engineer

Matchtech; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate start available

On-site working environment

Job summary

Matchtech Group seeks an experienced NPI Mechanical Design Engineer for a Sutton-in-Ashfield contract role. You will drive manufacturability, review CAD models, and develop fixtures and processes to enable robust production transfer.

The ideal candidate has strong 3D CAD skills, DFMA experience and a hands-on, shop-floor mindset, capable of working with production, quality and suppliers. DBS check may be required. Immediate start available.

Qualifications

• Formal engineering qualification in mechanical/manufacturing production.
• Experience in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing or NPI environments.
• Strong 3D CAD design experience and manufacturing process understanding.

Responsibilities

• Support new product introductions into manufacturing.
• Review drawings and CAD models for manufacturability.
• Develop processes, fixtures, tooling and workholding for production release.
• Conduct DFMA reviews and address manufacturing risks.
• Support trials and transfer of products to manufacture.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers and production teams.

Skills

DFMA

3D CAD

GD&T

Quality mindset

Root cause analysis

Collaborative work

Problem solving

Manufacturing know-how

Education

HNC/HND/degree in Mechanical Engineering

Apprenticeship in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Fusion 360

Siemens NX

Mastercam/Edgecam

Job description

NPI Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Contract Type: PAYE Contract
Rate: Competitive Hourly Rate (DOE)
Hours: Full Time, 40hrs p/week

About Our Client

Our client is a leading manufacturer of specialist industrial and marine safety equipment, supplying products to customers across a range of highly regulated industries worldwide.

Due to continued growth and investment in new product development, they are seeking an experienced NPI Mechanical Design Engineer to support their engineering team on a contract basis.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong understanding of manufacturing and CNC machining processes to play a key role in bringing new products into production.

Working closely with Production, Quality, Operations and external suppliers, you will support the development of manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling and workholding solutions, ensuring new products are introduced efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support the introduction of new products and components into manufacturing.
• Review engineering drawings and CAD models to determine the most effective manufacturing methods.
• Develop manufacturing processes from prototype through to full production release.
• Carry out Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) reviews.
• Identify and address manufacturing risks during the development process.
• Support production trials and the successful transfer of products into manufacture.

Mechanical Design & Tooling

• Design fixtures, jigs, tooling, workholding solutions and assembly aids using 3D CAD software.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, assemblies and bills of materials.
• Develop practical and robust manufacturing solutions that improve efficiency, repeatability and quality.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers and production teams to optimise manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support CNC machining activities and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.
• Work alongside Quality and Production teams to improve processes and product quality.
• Assist with root cause investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing costs, improving productivity and enhancing manufacturing performance.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• HNC, HND, Degree, Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering.
• Previous experience in a Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Engineering or NPI environment.
• Strong 3D CAD design experience.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, jigs or workholding solutions for manufacturing environments.
• Good understanding of CNC machining processes.
• Ability to produce and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerances, fits and manufacturing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical engineering mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, production and quality teams.

Desirable

• Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, Mastercam or Edgecam.
• Experience supporting CNC milling and turning operations.
• Knowledge of 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis machining environments.
• Experience introducing products from prototype through to production.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with PFMEA, First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation activities.

About You

• Practical and hands‑on in your approach.
• Passionate about designing effective manufacturing solutions.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working both on the shop floor and within an engineering office environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, organised and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

What's on Offer

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunity to work on exciting new product introductions.
• Collaborative engineering environment.
• Exposure to innovative manufacturing and product development projects.
• Immediate start available.

This contract opportunity would suit an experienced NPI, Manufacturing, Production or Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong CNC manufacturing background, looking to make an immediate impact within a busy engineering team.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK freely, and willing to obtain a DBS check.