Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Owen Daniels; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Daniels is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to drive design for defence applications, delivering reliable valve and hydraulic solutions. You will interpret complex specifications, produce precise technical docs, and collaborate with PM, operations and quality teams to integrate products into Defence systems.

With 7+ years in design, you’ll lead a small technical team, perform analyses (FEA/CFD) and ensure compliance with BS8888 standards while pursuing continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in valve/hydraulic systems.
• Mechanical design using 3D software (SolidWorks).
• Experience with fluid control systems (valves, manifolds, actuators).
• Experience creating calculations and product validation.
• Shop floor (assembly and test)/field services support.
• Experience with APQP, FMEAs, 8Ds, 5Ys, etc.
• Membership with an Engineering Institution is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop flow control products (valves, actuators, manifolds) for Defence applications.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses for performance, reliability, and safety.
• Review external analyses and validation data (FEA, CFD, tests).
• Ensure compliance with industry and governmental standards.
• Oversee end-to-end Engineering process from bid to manufacture and test.
• Material selection for specific parameters and testing.
• Create prototypes and perform environmental validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for Defence system integration.
• Analyze valve failures and implement corrective actions.
• Generate calculations, plans, and technical instructions.
• Create concept and production drawings per BS8888 with GD&T.
• Stay updated with valve tech advancements and drive improvements.
• Mitigate risks in product design, production and deployment.
• Provide technical training and guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

Valve design

SolidWorks

Fluid control systems

Technical documentation

Team leadership

DFM & GD&T

Problem solving

Tools

APQP

FMEAs

8D

5Ys

Job description

The Senior Design Engineer role is responsible for supporting business strategy, delivering profitable, organic growth and continuous improvement, by interacting with customers, interpreting technical specifications, and converting these into a world class product or service. The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for producing highly accurate, technical documentation while ensuring

The Senior Design Engineer role is part of the Product Engineering Team and involves working collaboratively with Project Management, Operations/Production, Quality and Supply Chain departments.

Key Responsibilities

Duties will include but no be limited to:

• Design and develop flow control products (valves, actuators, manifolds etc) for Defence applications, considering factors like pressure, temperature, environmental conditions, and fluid compatibility etc.
• Conduct detailed engineering analyses (calculations, test plans, qualification plans, etc) for performance, reliability, and safety in extreme conditions.
• Review external analysis and validation data (FEA, CFD, physical test results, etc).
• Ensure compliance with industry, military, and government standards for technical, quality and safety requirements, as well as internal processes and procedures.
• Involvement with the end-to-end Engineering process (from bid winning/business development through to product manufacture, assembly, and test).
• Material selection of products for specific parameters.
• Oversee testing for compliance in line with specified requirements.
• Create prototypes for testing, including functional and environmental validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless integration into Defence systems.
• Analyse and troubleshoot valve failures, implementing corrective actions and design improvements.
• Generate engineering documentation, such as calculations, plans, technical instructions.
• Create both concept and production GA and component drawings accordance with BS8888, applying sound engineering knowledge, DfM, appropriate tolerances and GD&T where necessary.
• Stay updated with advancements in valve technology and recommend innovations for continuous improvements.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with product design, production, and deployment.
• Provide technical training, guidance and support to less experienced Design Engineers, ensuring the highest of standards are met.
• Deputise for the Design Engineering Lead where appropriate.

Skills & Experience

• 7+ years’ experience in a relevant field, preferably with valve/hydraulic systems knowledge.
• Mechanical design using 3D software (preferably SolidWorks).
• Experience in fluid control systems and products is desirable (valves, manifolds, actuators, hydraulics etc)
• Experience in creating calculations and design/product validation.
• Shop floor (assembly and test)/field services support.
• Experience with engineering/quality tools such as APQP, FMEAs, 8Ds, 5Ys, etc
• Membership with an Engineering Institution is preferable (IMechE, IET, IMarEST, etc)
• Working experience of direct or indirect management of a team of technical staff.
• Ability to conduct 1-2-1 Performance Reviews.

Personal Characteristics

• Can-Do, Will-Do attitude with the ability to problem solve and determination to continually improve the business.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high accuracy level.
• Excellent interpersonal (written and oral) skills.
• Able to keep the customers’ interests front of mind, creating strong and in-depth relationships.
• Acts with integrity – deliver on promises, inspires trust, builds credibility, and always follows responsible business practices, always prepared to do the right thing.
• Collaborative and a good team worker.
• Determined to overcome unexpected obstacles to get to the right solution.
• Strong drive for results, confident, motivated, and tenacious – create momentum and pace to drive results.
• Working well under pressure and engaging at all levels of the organisation both internally and externally.