Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Abingdon
2 days ago
Create job alert

Lead Mechanical Design
UKJob Function: TechnicalBusiness Unit: Engineering / Technology

A new opportunity has arisen for a Lead Mechanical Designer within a Mechanical Engineering Design team, following an internal promotion. This role is based at a modern manufacturing and development facility. As a Mechanical Designer Team Leader, you will use your leadership and decision‑making skills to guide, develop, and manage a team of professional Design Engineers. You will support new product development, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management of advanced manufacturing equipment. The role involves close collaboration with designers, process engineers, and operations teams to deliver solutions involving extreme temperatures, high vacuum, fluid flow, safety compliance, and precision control.
Line‑management experience is not essential if you can demonstrate a commitment to developing others, improving performance, and building strong working relationships. Strong emotional intelligence will support your success, alongside guidance from your manager. This position offers insight into broader business operations and the flexibility to shape how the role evolves.
Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop your team, supporting their ongoing professional growth; act as a mentor within the Engineering Department.
Deliver component and device concepts, 3D solid models, detailed drawings, and design modifications.
Conduct design verification and validation through calculation, simulation, and prototype testing.
Ensure all work complies with internal standards and relevant industry regulations (e.g., BS, EN, SEMI).
Provide technical information for technical files, manuals, and supporting documentation.
Collaborate with designers and cross‑functional teams to ensure complete and accurate specifications.
Translate technical requirements into structured, modular designs.
Lead problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis activities during manufacture, testing, or customer‑site issues.
Propose and lead continuous improvement initiatives for products and departmental processes.
Lead and coordinate engineering design projects, delivering high‑quality solutions on time.
Take responsibility for assigned work packages, timelines, reporting, and escalation where needed.
Use 3D CAD software, PLM tools, and standard office applications proficiently.
Perform general drawing‑office duties, maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date drawings, work instructions, and documentation.
Prioritise health, safety, and environmental protection.
Take ownership of personal and professional development alongside your manager.Education / Qualifications

Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred)Professional Skills / Abilities

Experience designing mechanical systems and mechanisms
Experience with design verification and validation (calculation, simulation, prototype testing)
Ability to lead and deliver design projects with cross‑disciplinary teams
Knowledge of machined components, sheet‑metal fabrication, welding, and manufacturing/assembly methods
Strong problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis skills
Understanding of engineering drawing and design best practice
Commercial awareness relating to product cost, reliability, and safetyAbout the OrganisationThe organisation provides tools and technologies used in the engineering of micro‑ and nano‑structures. Their solutions support research and production of materials and semiconductors used in applications ranging from medical devices and diagnostics to electric vehicles and quantum technologies.
BenefitsThe role offers a competitive salary, structured career development, and a strong work‑life balance. Benefits typically include:

25 days annual leave
Early finish on Fridays
Private healthcare
Share incentive plan
Defined‑contribution pension scheme
Flexible benefits packageThe organisation is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Applicants are invited to discuss any concerns or potential barriers during the recruitment process.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Mechanical Research and Development Lead

Engineering Manager - Lasers/Optics/Photonics - ID46558

Engineering Manager - Lasers/Optics/Photonics - ID46558

Photonics Engineer (Quantum Sensing) - *CLOSED*

Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Quantum Computing Job Applications (UK Guide)

Quantum computing is one of the fastest-evolving fields in technology, blending physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering. Roles in this space — from Quantum Algorithm Developer and Quantum Software Engineer to Quantum Research Scientist and Quantum Hardware Specialist — are highly sought after, and hiring managers are exceptionally selective. Because quantum computing is complex and multidisciplinary, recruiters and hiring managers look for clear, concrete evidence of relevant expertise and impact right at the start of your application. They often decide whether to read your CV in detail within the first 10–20 seconds, based on a handful of high-value signals. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in quantum computing applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, and what you can do to optimise your application to get noticed in the UK quantum job market.

Riverlane Jobs in Quantum Computing

If you’re looking for Riverlane jobs in quantum computing, you’re aiming at one of the most important layers in the quantum stack: quantum error correction (QEC). In simple terms, Riverlane focuses on the software, methods & tooling that help quantum computers produce reliable results despite noise. That matters because as quantum hardware scales, the ability to correct errors becomes the difference between “interesting experiments” and “useful quantum computing”. This guide is written for UK job seekers who want to understand: what Riverlane does (in job-seeker language) the roles they hire for the skills that map best to their work how to tailor your CV & LinkedIn how to prepare for interviews how to find & land Riverlane vacancies in the UK You do not need to be a quantum PhD to have a realistic pathway in. But you do need to understand the problem they’re solving & position your experience around it.