Mechanical Design Engineer
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Overview
We are working with a well‑established, privately owned engineering business that designs and manufactures innovative laboratory and scientific equipment used globally across pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, academic and research environments.
The company has a strong reputation for technical excellence, product quality and long‑term customer relationships. With ambitious growth and product development plans, they are now looking to add an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to their R&D team.
This is a hands‑on, end‑to‑end engineering role where your designs will go into production and be used by customers worldwide.
The Role
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing new products and improving existing ones across a growing portfolio of precision‑engineered laboratory equipment.
You will take ownership of projects from initial concept through to manufacture, working closely with engineers, scientists, suppliers and external partners. The role is primarily on‑site and suits someone who enjoys being close to prototypes, testing, manufacturing and real‑world engineering challenges.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and support New Product Development (NPD) and product improvement projects from concept to production
* Own and deliver Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), managing key workstreams with minimal supervision
* Design mechanical and electro‑mechanical products aligned with the long‑term product roadmap
* Produce high‑quality 3D CAD models, assemblies, detailed drawings and documentation using SolidWorks and PDM
* Select, evaluate and integrate mechanical and electronic components
* Source materials and components, working directly with suppliers and mitigating supply chain risks
* Plan, cost and manage projects, including timelines, budgets and resource requirements
* Define test plans, conduct testing, analyse data and report results
* Prepare and maintain product documentation including BOMs, production packs, instructions and QA/test procedures
* Present clear project updates, design decisions and technical findings to stakeholders
* Work closely with manufacturing, suppliers and external consultants to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions
Skills & Experience
* Degree qualified in Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering
* Minimum 5 years’ industry experience in a product development or R&D environment
* Proven track record of taking products from concept through to manufacture
* Strong experience designing mechanical and electro‑mechanical assemblies
* Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
* Strong proficiency with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM
* Experience working directly with suppliers, including sourcing, technical discussions and relationship management
* Exposure to electronics design and implementation is advantageous but not essential
Personal Attributes
* Comfortable working independently and making engineering decisions
* Hands‑on approach with prototypes, assemblies and testing
* Clear, confident communicator, both written and verbal
* Resilient and determined when solving complex engineering problems
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Genuine enthusiasm for engineering, product development and continuous improvement
Additional Information
* Role is primarily on‑site to support collaboration, prototyping and testing
* Candidates must be able to work effectively in business‑level English
* UK driving licence required
* Applicants should live within a commutable distance of the Essex site
* Additional day off for your birthday
* Option to purchase additional unpaid leave
* Company laptop/PC
* Structured induction and ongoing training
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
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