Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer

Are you an experienced Lead Design Engineer looking for your next challenge? Do you have a strong background in heavy engineering, material handling, fabrication, and large-scale project delivery? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Our client, a well‑established engineering business, is seeking a skilled Lead Design Engineer to join their team in Manchester. The successful candidate will bring strong mechanical engineering expertise, leadership capability, and practical experience delivering complex engineering projects within heavy industry sectors.

• Permanent position
• Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 (DOE)
• Monday to Friday
• Manchester

• Lead the design and development of mechanical engineering projects from concept through to completion.
• Produce and review detailed engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation.
• Oversee projects involving material handling systems, heavy fabrication, welding, and site installations.
• Support the delivery of large-scale engineering projects within sectors such as Oil & Gas and Power.
• Work closely with manufacturing, production, and site teams to ensure practical and efficient design solutions.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant engineering standards, specifications, and health & safety requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and design staff.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support continuous improvement activities and contribute to engineering best practice.

• Proven experience in a Lead Design Engineer or Senior Design Engineer position.
• Engineering qualification such as Degree, HNC, or HND in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Ideally 10 years’ experience within engineering and design environments.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within material handling, heavy fabrication, welding, site installations, or large-scale project delivery.
• Experience working within industries such as Oil & Gas, Power, or other heavy engineering sectors.
• Strong understanding of fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate across multiple departments.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead within a team environment.
• Full UK driving licence desirable.