Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

JAM Recruitment Ltd in Waterlooville is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, development and integration of mechanical components for historic and classic vehicles, blending traditional engineering with modern CAD to deliver authentic, high‑quality solutions that respect heritage.

You will oversee multiple projects, mentor engineers, coordinate with restoration technicians and fabrication teams, and produce detailed drawings, BOMs and calculations from concept through

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading a design team and coordinating with engineering/assembly teams.
• Strong CAD skills and knowledge of automotive mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for historic and classic vehicles.
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Reverse engineer obsolete components using measurements and CAD modeling.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring on-time delivery within budget and quality standards.
• Collaborate with restoration technicians, machinists, and customers to achieve authentic restorations.

Skills

SolidWorks

Leadership

Project management

Reverse engineering

Manufacturing knowledge

Automotive systems

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

GearTrax

Inventor

Catia

Solid Edge

PLM systems

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is required to lead the design and development of mechanical components and systems for the restoration, recreation, and enhancement of historic and classic vehicles. This full-time, permanent role is based in Waterlooville, offering a competitive salary negotiable depending on experience. The position is site-based, with the potential for hybrid working in the future. Working within a globally respected company specialising in vintage and classic car restoration, the successful candidate will apply their expertise to significant road and racing cars. Key responsibilities include overseeing engineering projects, producing detailed designs, and collaborating with a highly skilled team to maintain exacting standards. Applicants should possess substantial experience in mechanical design engineering, ideally within a relevant sector, and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. An excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a well-established company.

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time – Permanent. Salary: Competitive Salary – Negotiable Depending on Experience. Location: Waterlooville – Site Based with option for hybrid working in the future.

About The Company: They are a prominent and highly respected restorer of Vintage, Historic & Classic Cars with a global reputation. Their highly skilled team restore, maintain and recreate some of the most significant and valuable road and racing cars in the world.

Job Description: The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and engineering of mechanical components and systems for the restoration, recreation, and enhancement of historic and classic vehicles. The role combines traditional engineering principles with modern design technologies to produce high-quality, authentic, and reliable engineering solutions while maintaining the heritage and integrity of each vehicle. Working closely with restoration technicians, fabrication teams, machinists, project managers, and customers, the postholder will oversee projects from concept through to manufacture, assembly, testing, and final vehicle integration.

Key Duties

Mechanical Design

• Lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for historic and classic vehicles.
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Reverse engineer obsolete or unavailable components using physical measurements, 3D scanning, and CAD modelling.
• Design improvements that enhance reliability, durability, and manufacturability while maintaining historical authenticity where appropriate.
• Develop mechanical systems including: suspension, steering, braking, drivetrain, engine ancillaries, fuel systems, chassis components and powertrain installations.

Engineering Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Design Engineers and Engineering Technicians
• Review and approve engineering drawings and design releases
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and manufacturing
• Assist in establishing engineering standards, design procedures, and documentation processes

Project Management

• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards
• Liaise with customers regarding technical requirements and engineering solutions
• Participate in project planning, design reviews, and production meetings

Manufacturing Support

• Work closely with fabrication, machining, and restoration teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable
• Resolve manufacturing and assembly issues
• Support prototype manufacture and testing
• Specify appropriate materials, finishes, tolerances, and manufacturing methods

Technical Documentation

• Produce: Engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, design calculations, engineering reports, technical specifications and test documentation
• Maintain accurate engineering records and revision control

Candidate Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Position Competencies

• Proficient in SolidWorks (or highly experienced in Inventor, Catia, Solid Edge)
• Gear Design experience, preferably using software such as GearTrax
• New part design
• Reverse engineering
• Knowledge of manufacturing/production methods
• Knowledge of automotive mechanical systems
• Experience of leading a team of Design Engineers
• Experience of PLM systems
• Experience of establishing or improving design standards and working practices
• Experience of managing design subcontractors

The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.