Senior Design Engineer

Poole Bay Holdings Ltd; Bear Cross; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per annum

Health & wellbeing allowance

Gym discount

Free parking

Pension scheme

Employee recognition awards

Job summary

Poole Bay Holdings Ltd in Poole, Dorset, is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead the design, development and optimisation of furniture and shelter products on site. 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:30, with an onsite role.

You will translate concepts into detailed engineering designs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, quality and cost targets, and collaborate closely with Development and Innovation management. Base salary £40,000–£45,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical/related engineering field (required or desirable).
• SolidWorks and 3D modelling experience.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of industry standards (ISO, ASME) and design for cost.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design team to develop new products from concept to production.
• Prepare detailed drawings, 3D models, and specifications using SolidWorks.
• Conduct design analysis including tolerance analysis and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Development, manufacturing, installation, procurement, and project teams; 3rd party providers.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specs.
• Review and approve technical documentation and engineering changes.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous improvements for cost reduction, performance, and manufacturability.
• Participate in client meetings to provide design solutions.
• Manage KPI design data to meet costs and lead times.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Reading technical drawings

Cost optimization

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP/PLM systems

PDM systems

Job description

Senior Design Engineer

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

Department: Fabrication

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Broom Road

Reporting To: Production Manager

Compensation: £40,000 - £45,000 / year

Description

Based onsite in Poole, Dorset
5 days a week | Monday - Friday 9:00- 17:30
40 Hours a week

The role holder is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimisation of Furniture and Shelter products and systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating conceptual ideas and translating these into detailed engineering designs while ensuring compliance with industry standards, quality requirements, and cost targets. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and cross-functional collaboration especially with the Development and Innovation Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Day to day responsibilities

• Lead the design team and function to support the development of new products, components, or systems from concept through to production.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and specifications using SolidWorks software.
• Conduct design analysis including, tolerance analysis, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Development, manufacturing, installation, procurement, project management teams and 3rd party design providers.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications.
• Review and approve technical documentation and engineering changes.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, performance enhancement, and manufacturability.
• Participate in client meetings to provide technical expertise and design solutions.
• Manage company KPI design data ensuring costs, lead times are met through effective planning of design capacity.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Complete routine safety, housekeeping and compliance checks
• Identify hazards or unsafe behaviour and ensure appropriate action is taken
• Support incident reporting and follow-up where required
• Adherence to the Company’s Health & Safety Policy and procedures

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide visible leadership and support to Design
• Maintain a regular presence in Design
• Coach individuals in the moment to reinforce correct ways of working
• Act as the first point of contact for questions or operational concerns
• Record attendance, timekeeping and payroll-related information accurately through required channels
• Conduct return-to-work meetings and support absence management
• Contribute to investigations and performance-related discussions
• Monitor productivity, accuracy and adherence to standard processes
• Highlight performance gaps and support agreed corrective actions
• Contribute to improvements in how Design operates
• Remain flexible and hands‑on in a changing environment

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Batchelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related field - Desirable

Skills

• Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to foster strong working relationships, both internally and with installers - Essential
• Sound judgement and the ability and willingness to make decisions under pressure - Essential
• Adaptability and the willingness to be flexible in a dynamic working environment - Essential
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications - Essential
• Familiarity with ERP or PLM systems - Essential
• Understanding of cost optimisation and value engineering principles - Essential
• Time and project management - Essential
• Strong communication and technical leadership abilities - Essential
• Calm, professional and consistent approach to people and operational issues - Essential

Knowledge

• Knowledge of relevant risks and how to effectively manage and mitigate these using judgement and frameworks - Essential
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, ASME, AWS) - Essential
• Knowledge of FEA or simulation tools - Desirable
• Knowledge and use of PDM systems - Essential
• Knowledge of designing structural products and civil industry - Desirable

Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in engineering design - Essential
• Strong proficiency in Solid works - Essential
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and manufacturing processes - Essential
• Experience in fabrication, structural steel, heavy equipment, or manufacturing industries - Essential
• Experience managing employees - Essential

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per annum (including Christmas closure) rising to 26 days after 5 years and 27 days after 10 years, plus bank holidays
• £200 per annum for health and wellbeing activity / gym membership (after 1 year of service)
• Voucher awards for ideas
• Social committee organising departmental events and activities
• Summer BBQ and/or Christmas party for whole company and partners
• Free parking
• Modern offices with kitchen and break facilities
• Community / Charity day
• Opportunity to get involved with events and initiatives to support local charities
• 1 piece of PBH branded merchandise as a welcome / thank you for being part of the PBH team!
• 10% discount at a local independent gym
• Ongoing support, development and training in line with needs of the role and business.
• Financial support to cover cost of specialist eyesight tests for DSE users & glasses for DSE use (including frames that cost up to £50)
• Auto-enrolment for eligible staff - 8% Pension with NowPensions – (3% Employer & 5% Employee on qualifying earnings)