Mechanical designer

Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Designer to support the delivery of complex engineering projects within a highly regulated industrial environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing mechanical design solutions from concept through detailed design, ensuring compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, the Mechanical Designer will contribute to the design, modification, and improvement of systems, equipment, and infrastructure supporting decommissioning, asset management, and facility upgrade programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce mechanical design deliverables including:
• General Arrangement (GA) drawings
• Manufacturing and fabrication drawings
• Assembly drawings
• Equipment layouts
• Piping and support designs
• 3D CAD models
• Develop designs in accordance with project requirements, engineering standards, and applicable legislation.
• Support the design lifecycle from concept development through detailed design and implementation.
• Participate in design reviews, hazard reviews, and multidisciplinary coordination meetings.
• Liaise with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and external suppliers to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Prepare and update design documentation, technical reports, calculations, and specifications where required.
• Ensure all design outputs comply with quality assurance processes and configuration control requirements.
• Support site surveys, data gathering activities, and verification of existing installations.
• Assist in resolving design queries during procurement, manufacture, installation, and commissioning phases.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and the development of engineering best practices.

Essential Skills & Experience

• HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering mechanical design work within highly regulated industries such as:
• Nuclear
• Defence
• Energy
• Petrochemical
• Pharmaceutical
• Process industries
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software, such as:
• Autodesk Inventor
• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks
• Creo
• Plant 3D
• Similar industry-standard packages
• Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience producing design documentation to recognised engineering standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, P&IDs, technical drawings, and design requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting decommissioning, demolition, waste handling, or facility modification projects.
• Familiarity with design substantiation processes and engineering change control.
• Experience working within safety-case-driven or heavily regulated environments.
• Knowledge of lifting equipment, containment systems, remote handling equipment, or bespoke mechanical plant.
• Awareness of CDM Regulations and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Understanding of quality management systems and configuration management processes.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Safety-conscious mindset with a commitment to engineering excellence.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic project environment.

Typical Deliverables

• Concept and feasibility designs
• Detailed mechanical design packages
• 3D models and drawing suites
• Equipment and plant layouts
• Design change documentation
• Technical specifications
• Installation support documentation
• As-built drawing updates