Safelab Systems is a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture, installation, testing and maintenance of high-quality fume cupboards and laboratory safety systems. With over 40 years’ experience, Safelab supports safe and compliant laboratories across schools, universities, healthcare providers, research organisations and industrial R&D environments.
The company provides in-house manufacturing, nationwide installation, independent testing, maintenance and support with COSHH Regulation 9 compliance. Safelab works closely with laboratory furniture suppliers, construction contractors and end users to deliver reliable solutions for complex laboratory projects across the UK.
Role Description
This is a full‑time, on‑site Design Engineer role based in Somerset. The Design Engineer will be responsible for producing high‑quality designs, technical drawings and supporting documentation for Safelab’s project and product requirements.
The role will contribute to the development of fume cupboards, laboratory containment systems and associated products, including both standard and bespoke solutions. The successful candidate will support product development, create detailed CAD drawings, assist with mechanical and electrical design requirements, and work closely with production, operations and wider project teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, compliant and delivered on time.
The Design Engineer will also play an important role in continuous improvement, product refinement, warranty reduction and the development of innovative solutions as technology and customer requirements evolve.
Key Responsibilities
* Shape and support Safelab’s product development programme, identifying opportunities to improve existing products and bring new products to market.
* Produce technical drawings for standard and non‑standard components prior to manufacture.
* Create detailed CAD designs, layouts and drawings for project, product and manufacturing requirements.
* Produce customer approval drawings and revise designs in line with feedback where required.
* Raise, manage and implement Product Design Change Requests.
* Support the design of mechanical and, where required, electrical systems relating to fume cupboards and laboratory containment products.
* Work with cross‑functional teams to ensure projects meet quality, safety, compliance and manufacturing requirements.
* Identify and implement design‑led solutions to reduce warranty issues and improve product reliability.
* Assist the Production Operations Manager with maintaining technical databases, technical files and controlled documentation.
* Keep all drawings, designs and related documentation up to date, correctly controlled and issued in line with company procedures.
* Create parts lists, technical manuals, assembly manuals and supporting production documentation.
* Assist with problem‑solving during design, manufacture, installation or after‑sales support.
* Contribute to continuous improvement across product design, manufacturing efficiency and technical processes.
* Identify and develop novel, practical and innovative solutions as technology, standards and customer expectations advance.
Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
* Strong skills in design engineering and product design.
* Proficiency in Computer‑Aided Design.
* Professional experience using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. Other CAD software may be considered where the candidate has previous experience with Autodesk products.
* Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles.
* An understanding of electrical engineering would be beneficial.
* Ability to analyse and solve technical challenges effectively.
* Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality work.
* HND or above in Engineering, or a degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
* GCSE Maths and English, or equivalent.
Experience
* Previous experience in a design engineering environment.
* Experience with sheet metal and plastic fabrication.Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
* Experience operating within an ISO 9001:2015 quality management environment.
* Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
* Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and compliance regulations.
* Experience or understanding of the British Standard/European fume cupboard standard.
* Knowledge of LEV systems.
* Awareness of COSHH Regulation 9 compliance requirements.
* Knowledge of Autodesk Revit for creating objects for use in a BIM environment.
* Knowledge of Autodesk Vault.
Prime Measures of Performance
* Completion of tasks in a timely manner as determined by the Jobs Sheet.
* Accurate, controlled and high‑quality production of designs, drawings and technical documentation.
* Successful implementation of innovative designs and product improvements through Product Design Change Requests.
* Contribution to warranty reduction and product reliability improvements.
* Positive support of continuous improvement across design, production and project delivery.
* Zero accidents as a result of activities.
Benefits
* Competitive base salary of £38,000 - £42,000 depending on experience + performance‑related bonus
* Ongoing training and career development opportunities
* Supportive, collaborative working culture
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