R&D Engineer

SoCode Limited; West Suffolk; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in West Suffolk seeks a Mechanical Engineer to join their R&D team. This hands-on role involves designing and developing mechanical and refrigeration systems, focusing on high-efficiency solutions. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, R&D experience, and proficient CAD skills (preferably Autodesk Inventor). Experience with PLM systems and familiarity with heat pump systems are advantageous.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a product development or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience designing and developing refrigeration or heat pump systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical ventilation or fan-based products.

Responsibilities

• Track market trends in heat pump and mechanical ventilation systems.
• Analyse competitor products and report findings.
• Plan and deliver development projects covering requirements, specifications, concepts, design, test, and validation.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering knowledge

R&D experience

Proficient CAD skills

Understanding of FEA and CFD

Experience with PLM systems

Designing refrigeration systems

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD software (Autodesk Inventor)

Job description

Socode are proud to be working with a market-leading manufacturer developing next-generation ventilation and heat pump systems - driving forward product design, testing, and validation for high-efficiency solutions.

What will I be doing?

You'll work within the R&D team in Haverhill (Suffolk), taking ownership of mechanical and refrigeration design projects across the full product lifecycle - from requirements capture through to validation and release. The role is hands‑on, technically focused, and central to developing new and improved products.

Key responsibilities:

• Track market trends in heat pump and mechanical ventilation systems.
• Analyse competitor products and report findings.
• Plan and deliver development projects covering requirements, specifications, concepts, design, test, and validation.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet time, cost, and quality objectives.
• Work with suppliers, manufacturing, and internal engineering teams to coordinate activity.
• Produce detailed engineering documentation and maintain accurate technical files.
• Design refrigeration systems and components, supporting prototype builds and validation testing.
• Manage engineering change (EC) and product data (PDM) through release.
• Support ongoing quality and compliance tasks.
• Contribute to IP protection and ensure all work complies with Health & Safety standards.

We're looking for:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 2+ years' R&D experience in a product development or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience designing and developing refrigeration or heat pump systems.
• Proficient CAD skills (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Understanding of FEA, CFD, or analytical modelling tools.
• Experience with PLM systems and engineering change management.
• Familiarity with mechanical ventilation or fan-based products.

Interested? Submit your CV by clicking 'apply now'.

Connect with me on LinkedIn - Mo Baker at Socode