Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer
Location: Northamptonshire Salary: Competitive, DOE Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Echelon Engineers is recruiting on behalf of an established British manufacturer of specialist industrial equipment. This is a stable, financially secure business with a genuine appetite for innovation and continued investment in its people and facilities.
Due to continued growth, they're now looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join their in-house engineering team.
The Role You'll lead the mechanical design of new equipment and bespoke systems from concept through to manufacture, while supporting continuous improvement of the existing product range. Working closely with production, sales, and project engineering, you'll take real ownership of projects within a company that designs and builds everything in-house.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead mechanical design of new products and bespoke solutions, concept to manufacturing drawings
* Produce and check 3D models, GA and detailed drawings (SolidWorks/Inventor)
* Carry out supporting engineering calculations (structural/mechanical)
* Work with production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective
* Support prototyping, testing, and commissioning of new equipment
* Manage BOMs and technical documentation
* Mentor junior design engineers
* Ensure designs meet relevant safety standards (PUWER, Machinery Directive/UKCA)
About You
* Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
* Proven senior/lead design engineering experience in a manufacturing or heavy machinery environment
* Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred)
* Solid grasp of design principles, materials, and manufacturing methods (fabrication, welding, sheet metal, machining)
* Experience with structural steelwork, conveyors, or heavy mechanical equipment advantageous
* Working knowledge of machinery safety standards (CE/UKCA, PUWER)
* Recycling, waste management, or materials handling sector experience is a plus but not essential
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary, DOE
* Stable, long-term role with a financially secure, growing manufacturer
* Genuine autonomy and project ownership
* Varied, technically interesting projects
* Company benefits package