Senior Mechanical Designer

Senior Mechanical Designer
With a proud history dating back to 1958, this globally recognised leader in OEM hydraulic test and motion simulation systems develops innovative solutions to meet demanding customer testing requirements. Products are sold and installed worldwide via direct sales and commissioning teams in the UK, USA, and China.
Overall Purpose of the Role
You’ll be responsible for producing manufacturing packages of mechanical ‘System Elements’, including General Assembly drawings (GA’s), detail manufacturing drawings, Bills of Materials (BoM’s), and entering data into the manufacturing system for procurement. Typical system elements include actuators, solenoid control manifolds, cardan bearings, and load cells.
Where working independently, you’ll take on the accountability of a ‘Lead Engineer’—proactively managing your work to deliver on time, to specification, and within budget. You may also lead a Junior Designer as required. Acting as Lead Engineer means you’ll resolve scope queries, track progress, raise resourcing needs, liaise with project and supply chain teams, and check the manufacturing package before release.
The role may also involve supporting suppliers, production, and service queries, depending on business needs and your experience.
Reporting Lines
You’ll report to the Mechanical Design Manager for line management purposes, and may also report to another Lead Engineer for technical guidance or prioritising tasks as part of a wider team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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Work as part of the mechanical team designing assemblies for motion control simulation systems
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Design moderately complex system elements and produce manufacturing packages and hydraulic schematics
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Ensure all designs meet functional and legislative requirements (e.g., Machinery Directive, Pressure Equipment Directive)
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Support new system or layout designs under the guidance of senior engineers
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Apply Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles
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Accurately enter BoMs into the MRP system
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Hold and contribute to design reviews with stakeholders
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Create assembly procedures and test rig verification hardware
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Contribute to and maintain mechanical design guidelines
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Maintain the Mechanical Project Tracker when acting as Lead Engineer
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Create and manage the Technical Construction File
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Support and contribute to continuous improvement activities
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Follow company Health & Safety policies
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Comply with Quality and Environmental Management Systems
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Assist with risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and manuals
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Support the build and test of systems where necessary
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Manage mechanical supplier concession requests and ensure documentation is up to date
Skills and Experience
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HND or degree qualified and/or 5+ years’ experience in hydraulic/pneumatic mechanical design
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Practical experience with heavy plant machinery, welded structures, or pipework, or time-served apprenticeship
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Excellent attention to detail and data management
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Proficient in SolidWorks or similar 3D modelling packages
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Strong understanding of BS 8888 manufacturing drawing standards
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Familiar with GD&T to BS 8888 and Limits and Fits to BS 4500
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Able to select suitable manufacturing methods balancing cost, lead time and volumes
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Capable of tolerance analysis and checking designs meet function despite manufacturing variation
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Experience with DraftSight desirable for updating legacy 2D drawings
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Able to travel globally as required
Personal Qualities
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Efficient time manager who delivers to deadlines and positive and proactive approach to solving design challenges
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Diligent, accurate, and focused on getting it right first time
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Strong communicator and team collaborator and flexible and willing to support across departments
Company Benefits
Working Hours
- 35 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday: 7.5 hours per day, with a 1-hour lunch break
- Friday: 5-hour day with no lunch break (early finish)
Working Times
- Flexible start between 8:00am and 9:00am
- Monday to Thursday: Finish between 4:30pm and 5:30pm
- Friday: 8:00am to 1:00pm
Holidays
- 25 days annual leave
- Plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Total: 33 days per year
Pension
- 4% employer contribution
Death in Service
- 3x annual salary (following successful completion of probation)