Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
2 days ago
Abingdon
Lead Mechanical DesignUKJob Function: TechnicalBusiness Unit: Engineering / Technology A new opportunity has arisen for a Lead Mechanical Designer within a Mechanical Engineering Design team, following an internal promotion. This role is based at a modern manufacturing and development facility. As a Mechanical Designer Team Leader, you will use your leadership and decision-making skills to guide, develop, and manage a team of professional Design Engineers. You will support new product development, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management of advanced manufacturing equipment. The role involves close collaboration with designers, process engineers, and operations teams to deliver solutions involving extreme temperatures, high vacuum, fluid flow, safety compliance, and precision control.Line-management experience is not essential if you can demonstrate a commitment to developing others, improving performance, and building strong working relationships. Strong emotional intelligence will support your success, alongside guidance from your manager. This position offers insight into broader business operations and the flexibility to shape how the role evolves.Key Responsibilities • Lead and develop your team, supporting their ongoing professional growth; act as a mentor within the Engineering Department., • Deliver component and device concepts, 3D solid models, detailed drawings, and design modifications., • Conduct design verification and validation through calculation, simulation, and prototype testing., • Ensure all work complies with internal standards and relevant industry regulations (e.g., BS, EN, SEMI)., • Provide technical information for technical files, manuals, and supporting documentation., • Collaborate with designers and cross-functional teams to ensure complete and accurate specifications., • Translate technical requirements into structured, modular designs., • Lead problem-solving and root-cause analysis activities during manufacture, testing, or customer-site issues., • Propose and lead continuous improvement initiatives for products and departmental processes., • Lead and coordinate engineering design projects, delivering high-quality solutions on time., • Take responsibility for assigned work packages, timelines, reporting, and escalation where needed., • Use 3D CAD software, PLM tools, and standard office applications proficiently., • Perform general drawing-office duties, maintaining accurate and up-to-date drawings, work instructions, and documentation., • Prioritise health, safety, and environmental protection., • Experience designing mechanical systems and mechanisms, • Experience with design verification and validation (calculation, simulation, prototype testing), • Ability to lead and deliver design projects with cross-disciplinary teams, • Knowledge of machined components, sheet-metal fabrication, welding, and manufacturing/assembly methods, • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, • Understanding of engineering drawing and design best practice, • 25 days annual leave, • Early finish on Fridays, • Private healthcare, • Share incentive plan, • Defined-contribution pension scheme Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk