Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Sapien; Flitwick; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Project ownership

Job summary

Sapien is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to own and lead diverse design projects from concept through production. You will drive technical decisions, mentor teammates, and ensure designs meet safety and manufacturing requirements.

The role offers hybrid working options (3 days on-site, 2 days remote) and a path to engineering leadership, depending on experience and ambition. Sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical design or machinery design.
• Ability to manage design projects through full lifecycle.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes and practical engineering principles.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of machinery and mechanical assemblies.
• Own design projects from concept through to manufacture and installation including documentation.
• Ensure designs meet quality, safety, functionality and manufacturing requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes and engineering efficiency.
• Contribute to technical decisions and ongoing development of engineering capabilities.

Skills

Mechanical design

Design project management

Manufacturing understanding

Communication & organization

Independent collaboration

Job description

Client Overview

We’re working with an established engineering business looking to strengthen its design function. This is an opportunity to take ownership of varied engineering projects, contribute to technical decisions and potentially lead a design team.

The role offers flexibility for someone who wants to remain hands‑on with design, as well as the opportunity to take on management responsibility immediately or progress into it over time.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of machinery and mechanical assemblies
• Take ownership of design projects from concept through to manufacture and installation including documentation.
• Ensure designs meet quality, safety, functionality and manufacturing requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes and engineering efficiency.
• Contribute to technical decisions and the ongoing development of engineering capabilities.

Skill Required

• Proven experience in mechanical design or machinery design.
• The ability to manage design projects and work through the full design lifecycle.
• A sound understanding of manufacturing processes and practical engineering principles.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with others.

For those interested in management, previous experience leading engineers or coordinating a design team would be beneficial. However, strong Senior Design Engineers looking to take that next step is also encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Other Benefits

• Salary of £45,000 – £55,000, depending on experience. (Hybrid 3&2)
• Genuine ownership of projects and influence over engineering decisions.
• The flexibility to remain hands‑on or take on management responsibility immediately.

Please note that our clients are unable to offer sponsorship for employment visas. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, only those shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful