Role: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (contract) Duration: 3-6 months (client flexible) Location: Hybrid (onsite prototype sessions expected) Start: ASAP preferred Software: SolidWorks required (contractor must supply own licence/seat and PC) Overview: We're recruiting a seasoned mechanical design contractor to develop and validate a folding mechanism for a new trolley. The project will use an existing design concept that needs detailed mechanical interrogation, refinement and production-ready documentation. The successful contractor will own the SolidWorks modelling work, support prototype assembly/testing, and hand over manufacturable drawings and BOMs. Day-to-day / deliverables: Review and interrogate the existing concept for kinematics, loads and failure modes. Develop full SolidWorks models and detailed drawings (GD&T applied). Produce tolerance stack-ups and tolerance analysis to ensure mechanism function. Provide DFMA recommendations and material selection advice. Create test plans, assemble prototypes, carry out hands-on testing and lead iteration cycles. Produce final production drawings, BOM and a short validation/test report. Liaise with client engineers and suppliers where required. Must-have skills / experience: Proven experience with mechanisms, mechanical linkages and scotch yoke style kinematics. Senior mechanical design background - typically 5 years (or equivalent demonstrated experience). Advanced SolidWorks capability (surface & solid modelling, large assemblies, configurations). Must have own SolidWorks licence/seat and a capable machine. Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis. Structural engineering fundamentals: ability to interpret/perform basic FEA checks, understand stresses, fatigue and safety factors. Practical prototyping experience - hands-on with assembly, jigging, test rigs and iteration. Good workshop awareness and familiarity with common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, weldments). Clear communicator; able to deliver concise design documentation and test summaries. Desirable: Experience producing BOMs and liaising with suppliers. Prior work on folding/telescoping mechanisms, trolleys or compacting/folding furniture/transport systems. Experience with SolidWorks Simulation (advantage, not essential). Equipment expectation (contractor must supply): Own SolidWorks seat / licence. Own laptop/PC capable of handling large assemblies (recommended: modern multi-core CPU, 32GB RAM, SSD, CAD GPU). Brief spec in reply is fine