Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

RECRUITMENT HELPLINE; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RECRUITMENT HELPLINE is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for a site-based role in Waterlooville with future hybrid potential. The position focuses on leading the design and development of mechanical systems for the restoration and enhancement of historic and classic vehicles.

You will work with restoration technicians, fabrication teams and customers, guiding projects from concept through manufacture and testing.

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and gear design; familiar with PLM systems.
• Experience leading a design engineering team and managing subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for historic and classic vehicles.
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Reverse engineer obsolete components using measurements and CAD tools.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, and authentic to heritage where applicable.
• Coordinate with fabrication, machining and restoration teams to deliver projects on time.

Skills

SolidWorks

Gear Design

Reverse engineering

New part design

Manufacturing methods

Automotive systems

Team leadership

PLM systems

Design standards

subcontractor management

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Inventor

Catia

Solid Edge

GearTrax

Job description

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.