Role: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (contract)
Duration: 3-6 months (client flexible)
Location: Hybrid (onsite prototype sessions expected)
Start: ASAP preferred
Software: SolidWorks required (contractor must supply own licence/seat and PC)
Overview:
We're recruiting a seasoned mechanical design contractor to develop and validate a folding mechanism for a new trolley. The project will use an existing design concept that needs detailed mechanical interrogation, refinement and production-ready documentation. The successful contractor will own the SolidWorks modelling work, support prototype assembly/testing, and hand over manufacturable drawings and BOMs.
Day-to-day / deliverables:
Review and interrogate the existing concept for kinematics, loads and failure modes.
Develop full SolidWorks models and detailed drawings (GD&T applied).
Produce tolerance stack-ups and tolerance analysis to ensure mechanism function.
Provide DFMA recommendations and material selection advice.
Create test plans, assemble prototypes, carry out hands-on testing and lead iteration cycles.
Produce final production drawings, BOM and a short validation/test report.
Liaise with client engineers and suppliers where required.
Must-have skills / experience:
Proven experience with mechanisms, mechanical linkages and scotch yoke style kinematics.
Senior mechanical design background - typically 5+ years (or equivalent demonstrated experience).
Advanced SolidWorks capability (surface & solid modelling, large assemblies, configurations). Must have own SolidWorks licence/seat and a capable machine.
Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
Structural engineering fundamentals: ability to interpret/perform basic FEA checks, understand stresses, fatigue and safety factors.
Practical prototyping experience - hands-on with assembly, jigging, test rigs and iteration.
Good workshop awareness and familiarity with common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, weldments).
Clear communicator; able to deliver concise design documentation and test summaries.
Desirable:
Experience producing BOMs and liaising with suppliers.
Prior work on folding/telescoping mechanisms, trolleys or compacting/folding furniture/transport systems.
Experience with SolidWorks Simulation (advantage, not essential).
Equipment expectation (contractor must supply):
Own SolidWorks seat / licence.
Own laptop/PC capable of handling large assemblies (recommended: modern multi-core CPU, 32GB+ RAM, SSD, CAD GPU). Brief spec in reply is fine