Lead Design Engineer

Company: SimWest Engineering Recruitment
Apply for the Lead Design Engineer
Location: Lancashire
Job Description:

Lead Design Engineer

Location: Blackburn

Sector: Capital Equipment / Special Purpose Machinery

Pay: £45,000 – £53,000 (DOE) + Benefits

A newly created role with real impact

This is not a replacement hire.

The Lead Design Engineer position has been created as a direct result of increased workload and continued business growth.

With the Engineering Director currently overseeing both strategic direction and day‑to‑day design activities, there is now a need for someone to step in and take ownership of project delivery, ensuring designs are executed efficiently, to a high standard, and on time.

This role sits between the Engineering Director and the Design Team, playing a key part in how projects are delivered moving forward.

The role

This is a hands‑on leadership position. You’ll remain technically involved in design work, while also acting as the focal point for the Design Team on live projects.

Key areas include:

  • Provide direction, coordination, and support to ensure the team delivers.
  • Leading design activity across multiple projects
  • Supporting and guiding Design Engineers on technical delivery
  • Acting as the link between Engineering Director and Design Team
  • Ensuring designs are completed to specification, on time, and within scope
  • Maintaining design standards and consistency across projects
  • Contributing to continuous improvement in design processes and workflows

What they’re looking for

  • Strong background in capital equipment / special purpose machinery design
  • Proven experience in a senior design engineer or lead design role
  • Ability to balance hands‑on design work with team coordination
  • Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and practical design

Why this role stands out

  • Newly created position with scope to shape it
  • Clear progression pathway as the business continues to grow
  • Strong order book and long‑term project pipeline
  • Opportunity to influence how design projects are delivered

Interested?

If you’re currently operating at Senior Design Engineer level and stepping into a leadership role, or already leading design projects and looking for a role with more influence, this is worth a conversation

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Posted: April 8th, 2026