Location: Newmarket (CB8) Duration: Permanent Hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 4pm Friday Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 Job Reference: 35736 Polytec are looking for a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Newmarket based client, a leading technology and engineering company in the defence and aerospace sector. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on and innovative engineer who is passionate about end-to-end product development - from initial concept and design to manufacturing support and delivery. Responsibilities: * Create detailed and accurate 3D CAD models and technical drawings using industry-standard tools (SolidWorks preferred). * Support the full mechanical design lifecycle - including prototyping, testing, analysis, and documentation. * Conduct tolerance analysis and apply principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDandT). * Work with cross-functional teams to improve current designs, resolve build issues, and manage changes through structured change control processes. * Ensure all documentation adheres to relevant standards, including BS8888. * Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and tools. * Provide hands-on support during the build and validation of prototypes. Requirements: * Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. * Minimum 3 years' experience in product development and mechanical design for manufacture (medium to high volume preferred). * Strong 3D CAD proficiency - SolidWorks experience is highly advantageous. * Working knowledge of engineering standards (BS8888, ISO) and design for manufacture (DFM) principles. * Familiarity with a broad range of materials, finishes, and their environmental and structural implications. * Experience with full product lifecycle and cross-functional collaboration. * Confident communicator - capable of preparing reports, presenting concepts, and liaising with stakeholders. Desirable Skills: * Background in defence or high-reliability industries. * Structural analysis experience. * Understanding of sustainability in design - including re-engineering and supporting legacy products. * Hands-on experience in prototype fabrication and testing. Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below