Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Derby (Hybrid Working Available)Job Type: Permanent | Full TimeSector: Nuclear | Defence | Mechanical Engineering
About Westlakes Recruit
Westlakes Recruit is a specialist recruitment partner supporting some of the UK’s leading organisations across the nuclear, defence and highly regulated engineering sectors. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer on behalf of a market‑leading engineering consultancy delivering innovative solutions across major nuclear and defence programmes.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering team in Derby, working on technically challenging projects that support critical national infrastructure and next‑generation defence technologies.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the delivery of complex mechanical design projects across the nuclear and defence sectors.
Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for developing innovative mechanical design solutions from concept through to detailed design, ensuring designs meet customer requirements, engineering standards and regulatory expectations.
This role is ideal for an experienced design engineer looking to take ownership of challenging engineering packages while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the successful delivery of high‑profile projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce innovative mechanical design solutions that meet customer and project requirements.
- Develop 3D models, detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation using modern CAD software.
- Create and review design documentation throughout the engineering lifecycle.
- Modify and optimise designs to improve performance, manufacturability and reliability.
- Apply Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles throughout the design process.
Engineering Delivery
- Deliver mechanical design work packages from concept through to detailed design and manufacture.
- Support design reviews, engineering substantiation and technical assurance activities.
- Identify engineering challenges and develop practical, cost‑effective solutions.
- Ensure engineering deliverables are completed to agreed quality, programme and budget objectives.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers and designers.
- Work closely with Mechanical Engineers and multidisciplinary project teams to develop integrated engineering solutions.
- Participate in customer meetings and technical presentations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practice.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure designs comply with relevant engineering standards, legislation and customer specifications.
- Promote a strong safety culture by incorporating safety considerations throughout the design process.
- Support engineering governance, configuration management and design verification activities.
- Maintain accurate engineering records and technical documentation.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer or in a similar engineering role.
- Strong mechanical design experience within nuclear, defence, aerospace or another highly regulated industry.
- Experience developing complex mechanical components and assemblies.
- Good understanding of Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles.
- Knowledge of relevant engineering standards and safety legislation.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Technical Skills
Experience with the following would be advantageous:
- Siemens NX or equivalent 3D CAD software.
- Teamcenter or similar Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
- Engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Mechanical assemblies and manufacturing processes.
- Design substantiation and engineering calculations.
- Configuration management and engineering change control.
Qualifications
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or working towards professional registration, is desirable.
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the projects, successful applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance.
Applicants must also meet the necessary UK residency requirements and be a sole UK national to support security clearance where required.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant nuclear and defence programmes.
- Structured career progression and ongoing professional development.
- Exposure to technically complex, safety‑critical engineering projects.
- Support towards professional registration.
- Payment of professional membership fees.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Employee wellbeing programme.
- Retail discounts and employee benefits platform.
- Collaborative working environment with industry‑leading engineering specialists.
Westlakes Recruit is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
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