Job Description Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils) £45,000–£55,000 | Permanent Location: Dartford We are currently recruiting for an experienced Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils) to support projects within the water, utilities, and construction sectors across North East London. This is a permanent PAYE role offering long-term career progression within a stable and growing engineering environment. What’s on Offer • Salary: £45,000–£55,000 • Permanent PAYE role • Laptop & mobile phone • Company pension • Life insurance (up to 4x salary) • 33 days holiday (increasing with service) • Mental health & wellbeing support • Enhanced paternity & maternity leave • Clear career progression pathway • Supportive and flexible working environment Role Overview As a Design Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering practical, buildable design solutions from concept through to fabrication and installation. This role requires a strong understanding of fabrication detailing, steelwork design, and constructability, ensuring that all designs are not only technically correct but also feasible to manufacture, transport, and install on-site. Key Responsibilities • Develop and interpret P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) to support plant and system layouts • Produce 2D and 3D CAD designs (AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT or similar) for fabrication and construction • Create detailed fabrication drawings, including assemblies, sections, and material specifications • Design structural and mechanical components such as: o Walkways, platforms, staircases, and handrails o Pipe supports, frames, and steel structures • Ensure designs consider manufacturability, including: o Cutting methods and material usage o Welded vs single-piece fabrication o Bolting, fixings, gaskets, and ancillary components • Assess transport and installation constraints, breaking designs into modular sections where required and defining assembly methodology • Select appropriate materials (e.g. mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium) based on environment and application • Collaborate with project managers, site teams, and clients to resolve design challenges • Produce material take-offs (MTOs) and supporting documentation • Carry out design checks to ensure compliance with: o British Standards o Eurocodes o Client/asset-specific standards • Continuously improve design efficiency, quality, and standardisation Requirements • Proven experience in a design engineering role within construction, water, or heavy industry • Strong proficiency in AutoCAD (2D/3D) or similar CAD tools • Experience producing fabrication-ready drawings (not just concept design) • Solid understanding of: o Steelwork (beams, columns, connections) o Fabrication processes and constraints o Material selection for different environments • Familiarity with P&IDs and plant layouts • Knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes (or ability to apply them in design work) • Ability to design with practical installation and assembly in mind • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail • Good communication and ability to justify design decisions