Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) Location: Reading (Hybrid) Contract Length: 6 months Rate: £30-£40 per hour DOE IR35 Status: Outside IR35 About the Role We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team on a 6-month contract. You will design and deliver bespoke special-purpose machinery solutions for the consumer goods industry. Key Responsibilities: Design automated special-purpose machinery. Perform engineering calculations to support designs. Drive improvements to existing equipment. Manage projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with manufacturing and installation teams. Provide mentorship to junior engineers. Essential Experience: Experience designing bespoke special-purpose machinery. Strong knowledge of material handling systems. Proven design for manufacture (DfM) experience. Ability to manage projects independently. Hands-on experience with machine assembly and installation. Desirable Skills: Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD. Knowledge of the consumer goods industry.