Job Description
Job Title: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Fabrication EquipmentLocation: Manchester (On-Site)Salary: Competitive – dependent on experience (skills-led package)Job Type: PermanentOverview A well-established engineering business is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of complex fabricated and machined equipment used in industrial and regulated environments. The role focuses on full lifecycle mechanical design, from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings and support through fabrication and build. This is a hands-on design engineering position requiring strong experience in manufacturing-led design rather than conceptual or theoretical engineering.Key Responsibilities
* Design and develop complex mechanical fabrications and assemblies for manufacture
* Produce full 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings from concept
* Create fabrication drawings suitable for laser cutting, folding, welding and assembly
* Design precision machined components including shafts, housings, couplings and fixtures
* Specify and apply correct tolerances, fits and machining requirements
* Develop assemblies incorporating bearings, sleeves, keyways and bolted connections
* Ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective and aligned with production capability
* Work closely with manufacturing and workshop teams to resolve design queries
* Support reverse engineering and redesign of existing equipment where required
* Interpret and adapt designs to material availability and fabrication constraints
* Provide technical input into design improvements and problem-solving activities
Essential Requirements
* 10+ years mechanical design experience in fabrication or special purpose machinery
* Strong background in mechanical design for manufacture (DfM)
* Proven experience producing detailed manufacturing drawings from scratch
* Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication and laser cutting design principles
* Experience designing machined components and mechanical assemblies
* Knowledge of tolerancing, fits, and machining practices (limits & fits, ISO standards)
* Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (professional level)
* Experience with 2D CAD (AutoCAD or equivalent such as DraftSight)
* Ability to interpret engineering requirements into practical manufacturing solutions
* Engineering qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent minimum)
* Full UK driving licence
Desirable Requirements
* Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
* Experience within water, wastewater or process plant equipment
* Experience with stainless steel, mild steel and plastics design
* Site experience including measurements, installation or troubleshooting support
* Experience working with mixed imperial and metric design standards
* Exposure to regulated or industrial manufacturing environments
* Understanding of material selection and availability constraints
Key Skills & Attributes
* Strong practical engineering mindset
* High attention to manufacturing detail
* Ability to work independently and take ownership of design outputs
* Problem-solving capability in real-world fabrication environments
* Comfortable working across design, production and site interfaces
* Ability to manage multiple design outputs and priorities
Additional InformationThis role requires a strong emphasis on real-world engineering capability rather than purely software-based CAD operation. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical design experience through previous projects and manufacturing outputs.Salary will be reflective of experience and capability, with higher remuneration available for candidates who meet a broader range of the desirable criteria.