Design Engineer

Oxfordshire, United Kingdom | Posted on 22/10/2026

• Work Experience Solid Works, Solid Works PDM, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Contractor, Precision Engineering, Machined Components, GD&T, BS 8888, ISO 1101, Instrumentation, Analytical Instruments, Scientific Instrumentation, Opto Mechanical, Process Equipmen
• City Oxfordshire
• Province Oxfordshire
• Country United Kingdom
• Postal Code OX11

Contract
Term – 8 weeks (initially, extension confirmed)

Location – Hybrid in Didcot, Oxfordshire

Join a pioneer in advanced industrial measurement systems and high-performance analytical instrumentation. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility, they develop precision optical and mechanical measurement products that enable global clients to analyse and optimise complex chemical and manufacturing processes in real time.

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer contractor proficient in Solid Works to accelerate the development programme for the next generation of our client’s flagship analytical instrument. In this role, you will drive detailed design activities through to manufacture, assembly, and full production release.

This assignment will begin with an initial 8-week full-time block focused on completing detailed design, prototyping, and refining the product ahead of low-volume production. Following this phase, there will be a brief interim period where work will be supplied on an ad-hoc / part-time basis during initial testing and feedback, followed by a full-time push to support full-scale manufacturing and the official product launch.

• Develop, refine, and maintain detailed 3D Solid Works models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings
• Manage design revisions and configuration control using Solid Works PDM
• Apply GD&T principles in accordance with BS 8888 and ISO 1101
• Support mechanical design for components operating in harsh industrial chemical environments
• Liaise directly with suppliers, machine shops, and internal engineers to improve manufacturability, generate RFQs, and support procurement
• Support prototype builds, testing, and evaluation, generating assembly documentation and work instructions for smooth production release

• Strong commercial experience with Solid Works and Solid Works PDM
• Proven mechanical design track record taking complex machined components and assemblies from concept through to manufacture
• High proficiency in producing manufacturing drawings and applying GD&T (BS 8888 / ISO 1101)
• Direct experience engaging with suppliers, machine shops, and multidisciplinary product development teams
• Desirable:
  
  Experience with scientific/analytical instrumentation, opto-mechanical assemblies, industrial process equipment, sealing systems/O-rings (ISO 3601), or specialised materials (Hastelloy C276, Titanium alloys, 316/316L Stainless Steel)

Circa 37.5 Hours | Monday to Friday | 9am to 5:30pm | 1 Hour Lunch | Hybrid (3 days office, 2 at home)