Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Nottingham

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 (DOE)
26 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays, Profit Share Bonus, Pension

The Company

A leading provider in testing equipment is seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to join their growing team. This business specializes in designing and manufacturing mechanical machines used in universities and research facilities worldwide. With in-house capabilities for design, manufacturing, and testing, they produce a variety of testing machinery, ranging from materials testing equipment to aerodynamics and fluid mechanics systems. Their niche market presence makes this an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer to engage in diverse, hands-on projects.

With around 90 employees, including a strong production team and a multi-disciplinary engineering team, the company has a friendly and collaborative work environment. Recently becoming employee-owned, they have a culture that encourages input and growth from all team members.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the design and development of bespoke machinery, with a particular focus on temperature-controlled systems, refrigeration-integrated equipment, and thermal management solutions.

This is a hands-on design role where you’ll take projects from concept through to build, test, and validation—ideal for someone with experience in refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment, or cooling technologies.

You’ll work closely with engineers and technicians, reporting directly to the Engineering Manager.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

Designing mechanical systems that integrate refrigeration circuits, heat exchangers, and cooling systems
Researching new products, selecting components including compressors, evaporators, condensers, expansion devices, and thermal controls
Producing detailed production drawings using SolidWorks (3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings)
Supporting the development of temperature-controlled test rigs, environmental chambers, or cooling systems
Developing user guides and providing technical support to internal teams and customers
Supporting assembly, testing, and validation—including thermal performance testing and system optimisation
Working closely with manufacturing on pipework layouts, pressure systems, and sheet metal enclosures
Taking a hands-on approach with approximately 80% of time focused on CAD and design work
What We’re Looking For:

A proactive Mechanical Design Engineer with experience in refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment, chillers, or thermal systems design
Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar)
Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration cycles (compressors, refrigerants, evaporators, condensers)
Experience designing or working with cooling systems, environmental chambers, or temperature-controlled equipment is highly desirable
Knowledge of refrigerants, pressure systems, or F-Gas considerations would be advantageous
Hands-on, practical mindset with the ability to understand how systems function in real-world applications
Degree-qualified in Engineering (or equivalent experience considered)
A creative, problem-solving individual keen to innovate and contribute new ideas
The Benefits:

Competitive Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Working Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm (Mon-Thu), early finish Friday (1:00pm)
Holiday: 26 days + bank holidays, plus loyalty increases
Pension & Profit Share: 6% pension + annual bonus
Flexibility: Adjustable start/finish times
Training & Development: Strong support for progression, including exposure to advanced thermal and refrigeration technologies
How to Apply: If you're a Mechanical Design Engineer looking for an opportunity to work in a collaborative, dynamic environment and take on diverse design challenges, please send your CV to Matt Taylor at (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for more information.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation