Hydraulic Design Engineer in Heckmondwike, Kirklees

Heckmondwike | Full-Time | Permanent | Early Finish Fridays

Are you a Design Engineer looking to take real ownership of bespoke hydraulic systems from concept to delivery?

We are delighted to be supporting a long-established hydraulics specialist in the search for a Design Engineer to join its engineering team. With over 60 years of expertise, our client designs and manufactures high-performance hydraulic power units, manifolds, valve blocks and fully integrated systems for some of the most demanding sectors in the UK, including defence, nuclear, renewable energy, oil & gas and industrial automation.

This is a technically focused role where no two projects are the same. You will translate customer requirements into fully engineered, manufacturable solutions, and follow them right through production, testing, installation and commissioning. Working closely with manufacturing, assembly and test teams, you will see your designs come to life on the shop floor.

There is a genuine opportunity for career progression, with the scope to influence design standards and support the development of the wider engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of bespoke hydraulic systems, including power units, manifolds, valve blocks and integrated assemblies.
• Interpret customer specifications and translate them into detailed engineering designs.
• Produce 3D models, technical drawings, schematics and Bills of Materials using CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations to validate system performance and integrity.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant standards, safety requirements and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, assembly and test teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support projects through the full lifecycle, including installation and commissioning at customer sites.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and product development.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven experience in hydraulic equipment design, such as power units, manifolds or valve blocks.
• Strong mechanical engineering background within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor or AutoCAD.
• Solid understanding of hydraulic principles and fluid power systems.
• Experience taking designs from customer specification through to production release.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Desirable:

• HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience in regulated or high-integrity sectors such as defence, nuclear, oil & gas or renewables.
• Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Monday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, with a 2:30pm finish on Fridays
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with a holiday purchase scheme for up to 5 extra days
• BUPA health scheme and Paycare cash plan
• Employer pension contributions
• Ongoing training, support for professional qualifications and clear career progression
• Occasional UK and international travel to customer sites

If you are a Design Engineer with a passion for hydraulics looking to join a respected, specialist engineering business, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.