Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer – Special Purpose Fabrication EquipmentLocation: Manchester (On-Site)Salary: Up to £40,000 DOEJob Type: PermanentOverviewA well-established engineering business is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of complex fabricated and machined equipment used in industrial and regulated environments. The role focuses on full lifecycle mechanical design, from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings and support through fabrication and build.This is a hands-on design engineering position requiring strong experience in manufacturing-led design rather than conceptual or theoretical engineering.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop complex mechanical fabrications and assemblies for manufactureProduce full 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings from conceptCreate fabrication drawings suitable for laser cutting, folding, welding and assemblyDesign precision machined components including shafts, housings, couplings and fixturesSpecify and apply correct tolerances, fits and machining requirementsDevelop assemblies incorporating bearings, sleeves, keyways and bolted connectionsEnsure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective and aligned with production capabilityWork closely with manufacturing and workshop teams to resolve design queriesSupport reverse engineering and redesign of existing equipment where requiredInterpret and adapt designs to material availability and fabrication constraintsProvide technical input into design improvements and problem-solving activitiesEssential RequirementsProven mechanical design experience in fabrication or special purpose machineryStrong background in mechanical design for manufacture (DfM)Proven experience producing detailed manufacturing drawings from scratchStrong understanding of sheet metal fabrication and laser cutting design principlesExperience designing machined components and mechanical assembliesKnowledge of tolerancing, fits, and machining practices (limits & fits, ISO standards)Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (professional level)Experience with 2D CAD (AutoCAD or equivalent such as DraftSight)Ability to interpret engineering requirements into practical manufacturing solutionsEngineering qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent minimum)Full UK driving licenceDesirable RequirementsDegree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplineExperience within water, wastewater or process plant equipmentExperience with stainless steel, mild steel and plastics designSite experience including measurements, installation or troubleshooting supportExperience working with mixed imperial and metric design standardsExposure to regulated or industrial manufacturing environmentsUnderstanding of material selection and availability constraintsKey Skills & AttributesStrong practical engineering mindsetHigh attention to manufacturing detailAbility to work independently and take ownership of design outputsProblem-solving capability in real-world fabrication environmentsComfortable working across design, production and site interfacesAbility to manage multiple design outputs and prioritiesAdditional InformationThis role requires a strong emphasis on real-world engineering capability rather than purely software-based CAD operation. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical design experience through previous projects and manufacturing outputs.Salary will be reflective of experience and capability, with higher remuneration available for candidates who meet a broader range of the desirable criteria.