Overview :
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in engineering design and development, with a focus on innovative solutions and system design. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to drive projects from conception through to completion.
* Lead the design and development of new products from concept through to production
* Drive rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles to accelerate time-to-market.
* Champion a "fail fast, learn fast" approach to innovation, encouraging experimentation and data-driven decision-making
* Contribute to the generation of intellectual property (IP) through novel design solutions and patentable innovations
* Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and materials relevant to air filtration and environmental control
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain
* Conduct design reviews, DFMEA, and risk assessments
* Mentor junior engineers and support technical upskilling across the team
* Ensure compliance with relevant standards and directives (CE/UKCA, ATEX, DSEAR)
* Support continuous improvement initiatives in design processes and CAD standards
* Provide technical support to suppliers and customers when required
Key Areas of responsibility, duties and deliverables required:
The following list of duties is not exhaustive and may be added to or varied as the Engineering department is a
growing area of the business.
Technical Design Expertise
* Experience in designing air filtration units and enclosures, with attention to airflow optimisation, filter accessibility, and serviceability.
* Skilled in integrating mechanical components into modular assemblies.
* Solid understanding of sheet metal design for filtration housings, including fabrication tolerances, fastening methods, and weld quality.
* Competent in plastic part design for covers, guards, and functional components, with consideration for tooling, mould flow, and production scalability.
* Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes including laser cutting, CNC forming, welding, and assembly, with a focus on cost-effective design for manufacture.
* Awareness of electrical design principles, including basic understanding of wiring, control panels, and integration of fans, sensors, and other components into mechanical systems
Industry & Compliance Knowledge
* Applied experience in dust, mist, or fume control systems, including filter selection and airflow management
* Sound working knowledge of LEV systems and HSG258 guidance
* Experience with CE/UKCA conformity, including Machinery Directive, EMC, and Low Voltage Directive
* Knowledge of ATEX and DSEAR compliance, including zoning and equipment categories
CAD & Engineering Tools
* Fully proficient in SolidWorks 3D CAD, including large assemblies and configurations
* Experience with SolidWorks PDM for lifecycle and version control
* Competence in DFMEA and technical risk analysis
* Familiarity with design automation tools or scripting (e.g., DriveWorks, macros) to streamline repetitive tasks
* Familiarity with ERP systems and Microsoft Office suite
Process & Collaboration
* Experience with gated NPD processes, including stage-gate reviews and milestone tracking
* Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
* Process improvement mindset, with a focus on design quality and workflow efficiency
* Proven experience in managing multiple concurrent NPD projects using structured project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, or PRINCE2)
* Ability to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables, and track progress using tools such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or project dashboards
* Skilled in stakeholder communication, risk mitigation, and resource planning to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
* Experience mentoring Junior engineers and signing off designs
* Ability to lead design reviews and failure investigations
* Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste in design workflows and improve engineering throughput
* Use data analytics to drive continuous improvement and decision-making
* Lead value stream mapping exercises to identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements
* Promote standardisation and modular design to reduce complexity and improve scalability
* Willingness to travel for supplier/customer technical support
Experience:
Desirable Skills
* Experience with simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD)
* Familiarity with sustainability or eco-design principles
* Knowledge of international standards (e.g., UL, ISO)
* Experience with technical documentation and certification processes
* Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Trello, Asana)
* Experience with Agile, Scrum, or Stage-Gate methodologies
* Strong planning, scheduling, and resource allocation skills
* Risk management and mitigation strategies
* Familiarity with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA)
* Ability to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities in design workflows
* Experience with DriveWorks or similar design automation tools
* Basic scripting knowledge (e.g., VBA, Python) for engineering tool automation
* Exposure to digital twin or model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
* Use of PLM systems for product lifecycle management
* Rapid Prototyping & Innovation
* Hands-on experience with prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining)
* Familiarity with TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) and innovation funnel models
* Understanding of IP generation and patent filing processes
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
* Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams (e.g., R&D, manufacturing, quality)
* Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
* Experience with engineering analytics and KPI tracking
* Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for performance dashboards
* Use of statistical analysis in design validation and testing
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (BEng or BSc) in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline
* Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in design engineering or NPD/NPI roles
* Postgraduate qualification in Product Development, Systems Engineering, or Project Management.
* Professional certifications:
* PMP (Project Management Professional)
* PRINCE2 Practitioner
* Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
* Training in Agile or Scrum methodologies (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster).
* FEA/CFD certification or formal training in simulation tools.
* Design Thinking or Innovation Management training.
* Full UK driving license, and willingness to travel for supplier or customer technical support when required
Benefits package:
* Company pension scheme
* Internal training and development opportunities
* Birthday holiday
* Employee assistance programme
* Opportunities for international travel
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £42,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person