Job Description
Design Engineer – Mechanical Engineering
Location: Crawley, West Sussex (On-site, no hybrid working)
Salary: £53,000 – £58,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of our client, a highly respected manufacturer of special purpose machinery, for the appointment of an experienced Design Engineer to join their well-established team based in Crawley, West Sussex.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented mechanical design professional to contribute to innovative engineering projects within a technically driven and globally operating organisation. This role is strictly on-site and offers long-term stability and clear progression potential for the right individual.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will be responsible for the full cycle of mechanical design – from concept through to integration – using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical. Your work will directly contribute to the development and delivery of custom-engineered solutions for clients across the globe.
This role requires hands-on engagement with the production and testing teams, a practical mindset, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent design tasks under tight timescales.
Key Responsibilities:
- Mechanical design of special purpose machinery using 2D and 3D CAD software
- Produce and maintain technical drawings, BOMs, and documentation
- Collaborate with assembly and test technicians to ensure design feasibility
- Offer practical, cost-effective solutions to design changes or modifications
- Liaise directly with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to clarify requirements and support installation
- Conduct occasional travel, both UK and overseas, for client site visits
- Provide technical support to internal departments and external customers
- Maintain design records and manage issue levels within the MRP system
Essential Requirements:
- BEng or MEng in Mechanical Engineering (Product Design degrees not suitable)
- Minimum 8 years of industrial mechanical design experience
- Proficiency in 3D and 2D design software (preferably Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical)
- Hands-on experience designing machinery such as conveyors, packaging, or other mechanical systems
- Ability to manage simultaneous projects with strict deadlines
- Fluent English (spoken and written)
- Unrestricted worldwide travel availability
- Full UK manual or automatic driving licence
Desirable Attributes:
- Experience using Autodesk Vault
- Exposure to sheet metal and special-purpose machinery design
- Practical interest in mechanical hobbies
- Foreign language skills
Package & Benefits:
- £53,000 – £58,000 per annum
- Standard hours: Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 17:15
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with service
- 5% pension from start, increasing to 8% after qualifying period
- Life assurance after 6 months
- Private healthcare after 2–3 years
- All out-of-pocket travel expenses reimbursed
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