Lead Design Engineer

JOB TITLE:                                 Lead Engineer       

REPORTING TO:                         Engineering Director

PURPOSE OF JOB

Responsible for leading, coordinating, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions across design-led projects. This role combines technical expertise with leadership, ensuring that engineering outputs meet both client requirements and industry standards.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Lead Engineer plays a critical role in driving project success and maintaining technical integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and coordinate all engineering planning activities across assigned projects

Chair and facilitate engineering design reviews, ensuring alignment with project objectives and standards

Provide technical leadership and guidance to Engineers and Project Engineers

Oversee workload distribution and ensure timely delivery of engineering

• Produce and review engineering deliverables, including:
  • Detailed and general arrangement drawings
  • Engineering calculations and analyses
  • Finite Element (FE) models and other computer-based assessments
  • Risk assessments and design evaluations
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Technical specificationsDevelop innovative engineering solutions from high-level or ambiguous requirementsEnsure all designs comply with relevant codes, standards (Type A & B), and best Review and verify engineering work produced by others, including validation from first principlesEnsure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all engineering outputsDemonstrate strong understanding of manufacturing processesProduce designs that are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effectiveEnsure drawings clearly communicate fabrication intent (e.g., weld sizing, tolerances, assembly requirements)Act as a key technical interface with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholdersCommunicate complex engineering concepts clearly and professionallySupport project delivery through effective collaboration and problem-solving

HEALTH & SAFETY

It is your responsibility to work in a safe manner to promote personal safety and the safety of others to prevent accidents occurring and report all near misses.

Move materials safely and carefully using the correct mechanical lifting method.

Use the appropriate PPE and ensure it is in good condition, replace when required.

Follow the company’s Health & Safety Policy at all times.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Degree in an engineering discipline (or HNC/HND with substantial relevant experience)

Minimum of 10 years’ industry experience post-qualification

Proven experience in design-led engineering roles with responsibility for coordinating deliverables

Strong working knowledge of engineering standards, codes of practice, and compliance requirements

Demonstrated ability to develop, analyse, and validate engineering designs

Experience supervising or mentoring engineering staff

Candidates should be working toward CEng and hold at least Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status

Ability to interpret and apply complex engineering standards

Proficiency in producing and reviewing engineering drawings and models (software training can be provided)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

We run Autodesk Inventor and Mathcad as the main software.