Mechanical Design Engineer

Position: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Sheffield

Salary: -40-50K, commensurate with experience

The Mechanical Design Engineer plays a key role in delivering high-quality, technically sound mechanical design solutions across our client''s portfolio of engineering projects. Working across all stages of the project lifecycle-from concept through to manufacture and commissioning-this role ensures that mechanical designs are accurate, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with client and regulatory requirements.

Operating within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment, the Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for producing detailed engineering documentation, supporting validation activities, and contributing to project success through technical leadership and design excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Contribute to mechanical design across the Concept, Detailed Design, and Manufacture phases of each project.
• Produce high-quality 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings, including general arrangements, sub-assemblies, and part details.
• Ensure all designs comply with project specifications, budgets, industry standards, and health & safety regulations.
• Balance design decisions between bespoke components and COTS/MOTS solutions for optimal cost, performance, and reliability.

Engineering Documentation

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including:
  • Design risk assessments
  • Engineering calculations and substantiation reports
  • Functional specifications
  • CE technical files and compliance documentation
• Support preparation of accurate and usable Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.

Technical Validation & Compliance

• Validate designs through calculations, simulation, or practical testing.
• Support the planning and execution of prototype testing and FAT/SAT procedures.
• Assist with CE marking and other compliance or certification processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, EC&I, Production Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Test & Installation teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Provide hands-on technical support to internal teams and the supply chain during build, test, and commissioning phases.
• Participate in site visits and provide technical expertise during customer engagement and installation activities.

Project Delivery & Task Management

• Plan and manage personal workload to meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Track and report progress of assigned tasks, supporting the wider team in achieving project milestones.
• Engage professionally with clients and stakeholders, recording actions and decisions through action trackers.
• Proactively close out assigned actions and support resolution of technical queries and NCRs.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with industry trends, standards, and regulations.
• Contribute to ongoing refinement of design processes and engineering best practices.
• Participate in technical reviews and lessons learned to drive future improvement.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in mechanical design engineering within a project-focused or technical environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and technical drawing production.
• Ability to produce detailed engineering documentation and CE compliance files.
• Skilled in engineering calculations and technical validation.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Organised and self-motivated with strong time management and task prioritisation abilities.
• Comfortable working across multiple projects with changing priorities and deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional registration or working towards (e.g., IEng, CEng).
• Experience working with moving machinery, automation systems, or complex mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with regulated sectors such as Defence, Nuclear, or Aerospace.

Location: Sheffield

Job Benefits

• Flexible Start and Finish Times: Shape your day with flexible start and finish times around our core working hours.
• Pension Scheme: We operate a salary sacrifice pension scheme and reinvest our savings directly back into your pension pot.
• Annual Leave: New starters receive 25 days of holiday, plus statutory bank holidays.
• Need a Few More Days? Our holiday purchase scheme lets you buy up to 3 additional days of holiday each year.
• Long Service Awards: After 5 years with us, your holiday entitlement increases by 1 day. After 10 years, it increases by another day.
• Employee Referral Scheme: Refer suitable candidates who align with our values, and you''ll be rewarded for helping us build a great team.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we''re happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.