Mechanical design engineer

Imagine walking into a role where you aren't just tweaking old models or managing legacy paperwork, but actually driving clean-sheet, first-principles design work. If you are a passionate engineer who thrives on taking a concept from a literal blank page, turning it into complex CAD geometry, and watching it come to life in the real world, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. We are partnering with a prestigious, large global manufacturer to find a talented Design Engineer who wants to leave a lasting mark on next-generation green energy and powertrain solutions.

The Role Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Peterborough (5 days per week onsite)

Pay Rate: £33.50 - £35.50 per hour (PAYE)

Contract Duration: 24 Months (with strong potential to extend)

Working Hours: Mon-Thurs 08:30-16:45, Fri 08:30-16:15

What Makes This Role Brilliant?

You will be joining a highly collaborative team of 12-15 engineers; spanning both local and global sites during a period of massive investment into new product introductions. This isn't standard maintenance engineering. You will be responsible for generating entirely new designs for brand-new markets, specialising in complex internal combustion engines and alternative fuel systems.

Your Core Responsibilities

Clean-Sheet Design: Design and package engine components (such as major aluminium/cast iron castings, geartrains, valvetrains, and in-cylinder components).

System Integration: Input into system design development for critical systems like breathing, cooling, FEAD, and lubrication.

Lifecycle Ownership: Take your designs from concept to prototype and volume production, conducting design reviews and FMEAs to mitigate risks.

Global Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional global manufacturing sites, suppliers, and external partners using APQP methodologies.

What We Are Looking For

Proven Design Capability: Deep experience creating complex geometry using CAD software (CREO/Teamcenter preferred).

Sub-System Engine Knowledge: A strong grasp of rotating systems, bolted joints, and fluid systems (lubrication, cooling).

Internal Combustion Engines: A fundamental, robust understanding of IC engines (experience with highway/off-highway diesel or aerospace sectors is highly desirable).

Experience & Qualifications:

Industry Specific: 3 to 5 years of dedicated design experience within relevant sectors (e.g., automotive, aerospace, off-highway).

Generalist: We will happily consider up to 10 years of broader mechanical design experience if you have strong transferable casting and machining knowledge.

Education: A technical degree or HNC in mechanical/automotive engineering is preferred, though equivalent practical experience is highly valued.

Strong technical writing and presentation skills.

The ability to communicate confidently and collaborate effectively across global boundaries.

How to Apply

If you want to move away from mundane modifications and step into a world of genuine innovation with a massive global manufacturer, we want to hear from you.

Apply today with your updated CV to take the first step toward this definitive project!

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business