Mechanical Design Engineer

Socode is 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.

• 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 day

• 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