Mechanical Design Engineer

Socode are working with a well-established UK engineering company that designs and manufactures specialist laboratory equipment used by scientists in pharma, chemicals, and research labs around the world. As their product roadmap continues to grow, they’re looking to bring in a Mechanical Design Engineer to strengthen their on-site R&D team in Saffron Walden.

This is a genuinely hands-on role. You won’t be tucked away doing isolated CAD work. You’ll be involved right through the life of a product, from early concepts and prototypes through to production hardware that ends up on customers’ benches.

What will you actually be working on?
Designing and developing new products as well as improving existing ones
Owning mechanical design work from initial concept through to manufacture
Producing detailed 3D CAD, assemblies, drawings, and BOMs using Solid Works and PDM
Designing mechanical and electromechanical systems used in laboratory equipment
Building, assembling, testing, and fault-finding prototypes and early builds
Defining test methods, analysing results, and feeding changes back into the design
Managing engineering changes and pushing tasks through without needing close supervision
Working directly with suppliers on component selection, sourcing, and technical discussions
Creating and maintaining production documentation, instructions, and QA/test procedures
Presenting design decisions and progress updates clearly to the wider R&D team
Working closely with engineers, scientists, and operations on site day to dayWhat they’re looking for
A degree in Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering
Around 5+ years’ experience in an R&D or industrial product development environment
Strong Solid Works experience, including detailed assemblies and manufacturing drawings
A track record of taking products from concept through to production
Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and design for manufacture
Experience working with suppliers on sourcing and technical problem-solving
Someone who’s comfortable being hands-on with builds, testing, and troubleshooting
Able to work independently, make decisions, and take real ownership of work
Clear communicator who’s comfortable explaining technical decisions