Lead Design Engineer
We are seeking an accomplished and motivated Lead Design Engineer to join our team. This role is central to driving the design and development of innovative products, providing both technical expertise and leadership to ensure the successful delivery of projects from concept through to production.
The Lead Design Engineer will play a key role in establishing and maintaining design standards, guiding a team of engineers and designers, and ensuring that all work meets the highest levels of quality, compliance, and functionality.
Key Responsibilities
* Design Leadership – Own and oversee the design process from initial concept through to delivery,
* ensuring manufacturability, functionality, and alignment with design intent.
* CAD Expertise – Provide advanced CAD leadership, reviewing and approving complex models and
* ensuring adherence to best practices.
* Cross-functional Collaboration – Partner with manufacturing, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions within agreed timescales.
* Technical Reviews – Lead design reviews including DFMA, FMEA, RCA, and other formalised assessments to guarantee product robustness.
* Mentorship and Team Development – Provide guidance, coaching, and support to engineers and designers, fostering professional growth and capability within the team.
* Human-Centred Design – Integrate ergonomics, usability, and human factors into all stages of product development.
* Industrial Design Translation – Convert A-surface industrial design concepts into manufacturable components, ensuring fidelity to design intent while applying expertise in Colours, Materials, and Finishes (CMF).
Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Product, or Design Engineering (or related discipline).
* Minimum of 7 years' relevant design engineering experience, ideally including leadership responsibilities.
* Demonstrated proficiency in CAD with the ability to define and enforce design standards.
* Proven track record of leading product development projects from concept through to launch.
* Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to guide, mentor, and influence.
* Solid knowledge of design standards, manufacturing processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.
* A balanced approach combining creativity with sound engineering judgement.
* An appreciation for both the technical and aesthetic aspects of product design.
What We Offer
* The opportunity to take ownership of high-impact projects.
* A leadership role within a skilled and collaborative design team.
* A culture that values technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
* Professional growth opportunities with the ability to shape both projects and team capability.
* If you are an experienced design engineer with the leadership skills to inspire others and the technical expertise to deliver outstanding products, we invite you to apply.
Key Benefits
* Competitive Salary, starting at £45,000 and negotiable DOE
* Generous Holiday Package with Christmas 2025 shutdown
* Private Individual Healthcare
* Discretionary Christmas Bonus
* Contributory Pension available
* Death in Service scheme
* Birthday Gift
* On site free parking
* Modern offices
* Early finish Friday (subject to the needs of the business)
* Part Time of 28 hours + will also be considered – salary / holidays pro-rata
To apply
Please apply in writing attaching your CV. Applicants are required to provide required information for a relevant background or pre-employment check in relation to their identity, previous employment, education, and criminal records, as in the job specification.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview for an initial assessment of their abilities and aptitudes as required for the role.
Any offer of employment will be conditional on a candidate satisfactorily meeting the required background and/or pre-employment checks which will be subject to ongoing review on appointment. More details are available in the job specification with the application pack available from Helen Bell, HR
All employment subject to Right to work in the UK. Further information can be found on the UK Government Website. All successful candidates must have RTW status and / or relevant UK work visa