Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35) 

Location: West Sussex (Hybrid Working Available)

Duration: 6 Months

Shape the Future of Advanced Engineering Technology

We're partnering with an innovative engineering organisation developing complex, next-generation products that are helping solve some of today's most demanding industrial and energy challenges.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to take ownership of critical mechanical components and assemblies, leading development activities from concept through to production.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and wants to work in a highly collaborative environment where their designs will have a direct impact on product performance, reliability and manufacturability.

The Role

As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for the design, development, validation and lifecycle management of complex mechanical components operating in demanding environments.

Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you'll provide technical leadership, support product development programmes and help drive continuous innovation across a market-leading technology platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Own component requirements and ensure designs meet performance, quality and reliability targets.
• Plan and support testing and validation activities.
• Investigate technical issues and implement robust engineering solutions.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments and engineering sign-off activities.
• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain and project teams to support successful product delivery.
• Engage with suppliers and external partners on component development and technical matters.
• Drive continuous improvement through new materials, processes and design methodologies.
• Mentor and support junior engineers within the team.

About You

We're looking for a highly capable mechanical engineer with experience delivering complex products within a regulated or high-performance engineering environment.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Strong 3D CAD capability (Creo, NX, SolidWorks or similar).
• Experience designing components for challenging operating environments.
• Understanding of product validation, testing and root-cause analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design for manufacture principles.
• Experience leading technical projects and cross-functional engineering activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• DFMEA, DRBFM or similar engineering risk management tools.
• Thermal and structural analysis.
• Product development within sectors such as energy, aerospace, defence, automotive, industrial equipment, advanced manufacturing or other highly regulated engineering environments.
• Mentoring or leading junior engineers.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join an engineering team working at the forefront of product innovation. You'll have genuine ownership of your work, influence key technical decisions and contribute directly to the development of advanced products that will be deployed at scale.

If you're a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.