Design Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer based in St Neots for one of our clients on a full-time permanent basis. 

This well-established manufacturer operates globally and is known for its commitment to innovation and quality across a range of engineering solutions. With a strong heritage and forward-thinking approach, they continue to evolve and lead within their field.

Summary of the Design Engineer Role 

Salary: £43k – £54k
Location: St Neots
Type of Contract: Permanent, Full-time 
Hours: 8:00-16:00 

Responsibilities of the Design Engineer 

• Lead the design and refinement of hydraulic quick-disconnect couplings, focusing on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain and evolve global design standards for product lines.
• Coordinate and manage international project teams, including timeline planning and business case execution.
• Supervise prototype development, validation testing, and root cause analysis.
• Produce technical documentation and assist commercial teams with product-related support.
• Utilize engineering methodologies and Six Sigma tools (SPC, FMEA, DOE) to drive continuous improvement and resolve technical challenges.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams, applying broad engineering knowledge to support collaborative efforts.
• Independently design systems, components, and processes, and prepare comprehensive project documentation.
• Conduct experiments, analyse results, and interpret data to inform design decisions.
• Serve as a technical resource within the team and potentially lead projects with moderate scope and complexity.

Requirements for a successful Design Engineer  

• 5–7 years of experience in product design, development, prototyping, and testing of innovative mechanical solutions.
• HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
• Willingness to travel internationally (10–20%).
• Proficiency in CAD software, with PTC Creo preferred.
• Prior experience with hydraulic quick-disconnect couplings or mechanical design is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Strong foundation in clean sheet design and hands-on development.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities using SPC, FMEA, and DOE methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global team environment.

What our Client offers 

• Competitive salary ranging from £43,000 to £54,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Full-time, onsite role at a well-equipped facility in St Neots.
• Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with international teams.
• A dynamic and supportive engineering environment focused on innovation and quality.

Allstaff Recruitment are an Independent Recruitment Specialist based in Bedfordshire who work on behalf of companies across Bedford, Milton Keynes and surrounds to fill their vacancies and meet their recruitment needs. We place candidates in permanent, temporary and contract roles across a number of industry sectors.  

Check out our website and our jobs page for our latest vacancies in your area.  

To keep up to date with all our recruitment activities and vacancies, please follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  

**Thank you for your interest in the Design Engineer role. One of our qualified Recruitment Specialists will now review your application. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is with regret that we are unable to respond to all candidates directly. However, if you do not hear from us within seven days you have unfortunately been unsuccessful on this occasion. **