Senior Design Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative lighting manufacturer is on the lookout for a Senior Design Engineer to join their dynamic New Product Development team. This role is pivotal in crafting cutting-edge, sustainable lighting solutions, guiding projects from initial concept through to full production. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in mechanical or product design, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering commercially viable products. If you're ready to take on complex challenges and drive innovation in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in delivering complex design projects.
• Strong 3D CAD skills and experience in light gauge sheet metal design.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex design projects from concept to production.
• Continuously improve products and processes for efficiency.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Product Design

3D CAD (Solid Edge)

Project Management

Prototyping

FMEA

Light Gauge Sheet Metal Design

Material Science

Customer Needs Understanding

Commercial Awareness

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Product Design

Tools

3D CAD Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Teamcenter PLM

FEA Tools

Keyshot

Job description

Job Title: Senior Design Engineer

Department: New Product Development (NPD)

Reports To: Head of Design / Design Manager

Position Purpose:

A market-leading lighting manufacturer is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Design Engineer to join their innovative NPD team. This role is instrumental in the end-to-end development of cutting-edge, sustainable lighting products—from initial concept to full production. The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in mechanical or product design, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for delivering exceptional and commercially viable solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the delivery of complex, large-scale projects in strict accordance with the NPD Gate process.
2. Design and develop products that meet all project specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of project requirements and communicate design rationale clearly, challenging and refining specifications where appropriate.
4. Deliver safe, reliable, and commercially successful design solutions using tools such as FMEA.
5. Accurately complete all required documentation to support design outputs.
6. Utilize a range of design tools including sketches, models, prototypes, and 3D CAD to effectively communicate ideas.
7. Create precise CAD and PLM data in line with best practice standards.
8. Develop accurate, costed Bills of Materials (BoMs) for all new designs.
9. Investigate and address cost variances, proposing solutions and communicating with key stakeholders.
10. Produce production-ready components and assemblies, integrating insights from research into product technologies and structures.
11. Continuously improve existing products and processes, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
12. Enhance installation methodologies by developing intuitive, safe, and user-friendly solutions supported by physical samples and clear instructions.
13. Apply root cause analysis to resolve design issues, implementing robust corrective actions.
14. Mentor and support Trainee Design Engineers and Apprentices, fostering their technical and professional growth.
15. Stay informed on industry developments, trends, and competitor activity to ensure the business remains ahead of the curve.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

1. Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical or Product Design.
2. 5+ years of industry experience with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time, within specification and budget.
3. Proficient in designing tooled components (plastic moulding, die-casting, extruded profiles in plastic and aluminium).
4. Experienced in light gauge sheet metal design and fabrication.
5. Strong 3D CAD skills (ideally Solid Edge), with the ability to produce detailed drawings and tolerance stacks for both mechanical and electrical assemblies.
6. Confident in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.
7. Skilled in creating prototypes (handmade, sketch, CAD, physical) to test and refine concepts.
8. Strong understanding of customer needs and user experience (installer, end-user, specifier).
9. Excellent commercial awareness and ability to balance cost, functionality, and aesthetics.
10. Demonstrated ability to lead design projects with a creative and solutions-focused mindset.
11. Knowledge of material science and properties.
12. Experience using FEA tools for stress and failure analysis.
13. Familiarity with IEC 60598-1 and relevant lighting safety standards.
14. Experience with Teamcenter PLM.
15. Rendering and visualization skills using tools like Keyshot.
16. Experience with ray tracing and optical design.
17. Knowledge of sustainable design and manufacturing practices.

Key Behaviours:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Organised, adaptable, and self-motivated.
• A collaborative team player with effective leadership skills.