Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Our client is a well-established manufacturer of engineered-to-order capital equipment, supplying bespoke machinery to customers in highly regulated sectors. They have an excellent reputation for engineering quality and are now looking for an experienced Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to head up their design function.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You'll set the technical direction for a team of mechanical design engineers while still taking ownership of your own design projects, from concept through to manufacture. If you enjoy staying close to the engineering while developing a team and improving how things are done, this is a great next step.

• Lead and support the mechanical design team, acting as the go-to person for technical decisions, design reviews and engineering escalations
• Make sure designs are safe, practical, manufacturable and compliant with customer and regulatory requirements
• Plan and prioritise the team's workload, allocating resources across multiple live projects and holding regular progress meetings
• Develop standard designs, engineering tools and best-practice methods, and drive continuous improvement across the department
• Work closely with project, controls, manufacturing and purchasing colleagues, reporting on progress, resourcing and technical risks
• Deliver selected projects yourself, producing equipment designs and manufacturing documentation in 2D and 3D CAD
• Make sure engineering documentation is accurate and controlled in line with quality management procedures, and supports machinery safety and CE/UKCA compliance

• A proven background designing bespoke machinery, process plant, capital equipment or engineered-to-order products
• Strong mechanical design skills, including detailed manufacturing drawings, with proficiency in 3D CAD
• Experience in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment, with the ability to lead, coordinate and guide other engineers
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills, and the confidence to influence technical peers and stakeholders

• Experience in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, food, chemical or life sciences, ideally including GMP environments
• Knowledge of machinery safety, CE/UKCA marking, ATEX and hazardous area design
• Exposure to automation and control system integration
• Previous experience as a senior or lead engineer, or in a formal team leadership role
• Experience creating engineering standards, templates and design procedures

• £45-55k, with iminent progression opportunity
• Flexible hybrid working
• Excellent benefits package
• A leadership role with real influence over how the engineering function develops
• Varied, technically challenging bespoke projects
• A stable, respected employer with an international customer base