Mechanical Design Engineer Contract: Permanent, Full Time PRS Engineering has engaged with a new client and a specialised manufacturer of mobile machinery and heavy fabrications, operatingand delivering high value projects across the globe. Due to team expansion and winning new projects, we are seeking an additonal Mechanical Design Engineer (either intermediate or senior level).
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer plays a key role in the development, optimisation and certification of mobile machinery and defence‑sector equipment. This position combines advanced mechanical design, structural analysis, materials engineering and regulatory alignment to ensure products meet stringent defence, customer and international requirements. The role spans concept development through production, including technical documentation, risk management and support for customer acceptance and audit activities.
Mechanical Design & Engineering Lead the design and development of mechanical systems for mobile machinery from concept to production. Integrate hydraulic systems into mechanical designs, ensuring performance, safety and compatibility. Create 3D models and detailed engineering drawings using PTC Creo. Conduct FEA, stress analysis and simulation‑driven design to validate structural integrity. Collaborate with electrical, controls, manufacturing and quality teams to deliver fully integrated systems. Ensure manufacturability, cost‑effectiveness and adherence to defence‑sector engineering standards. Support prototype builds, testing, validation and troubleshooting of design and field issues. Regulatory Alignment & Technical Documentation Ensure products meet EU and UK regulatory frameworks, including CE and UKCA marking for mobile machinery. Carry out conformity assessment processes, including technical documentation, risk assessments and Declarations of Conformity. Support defence‑sector traceability, documentation control and customer‑specific quality requirements. Support environmental and durability testing. Ensure engineering outputs meet defence standards, safety expectations and contractual obligations. Perform design optimisation to improve performance, durability and efficiency. Use simulation‑driven design to refine geometry and load paths. Lead material optimisation activities, selecting materials based on performance, cost, sustainability and manufacturing constraints. Develop material selection criteria using engineering trade‑off analysis and performance indices. Collaborate with suppliers and materials specialists to evaluate new materials and technologies. Support prototype builds and conduct mechanical testing to validate optimisation outcomes. Analyse test results and iterate designs based on empirical data.
Risk Management Conduct and document FMEA, PFMEA and DFMEA in line with regulatory and defence‑sector expectations. Ensure risk‑reduction measures are implemented, verified and documented throughout the design lifecycle.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline. Master’s degree or postgraduate study in mechanical design, structural engineering or materials engineering (desirable). Additional training in CE/UKCA conformity assessment, functional safety or defence‑sector standards (advantageous).
Typically, 5+ years of mechanical design experience in mobile machinery, heavy equipment, defence systems or similar regulated industries. Proven experience delivering mechanical systems from concept through production, including prototyping and validation. Strong background in FEA, structural analysis and simulation‑driven design. Experience with structural optimisation and material selection for performance‑critical components. Familiarity with defence‑sector or highly regulated industry documentation, traceability and quality expectations. Experience supporting customer acceptance testing and inspections
Proficiency in PTC Creo and associated CAD workflows. Understanding of hydraulic systems and their integration into mechanical designs. Bonus: Strong understanding of EU/UK regulatory frameworks and supporting standards. Knowledge of materials engineering and advanced material technologies.
High attention to detail and commitment to engineering rigour. This role will require some ad-hoc international travel….