Chess Dynamics is a well-established and rapidly growing design and manufacturing business, with several sites across the UK. Our cutting-edge product range services the defence industries with products that aid specific client requirements. Our focus is on precision rotary mechanisms most often used for surveillance and fire control solutions. Driving innovation and excellence is at the heart of everything we do. We currently require a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our skilled engineering team so we can design and build some great systems together. Key Responsibilities: Innovative design skills in electro-mechanical mechanisms and precision machinery. Technical lead within a small, mixed discipline, project design team to produce quality design solutions in line with cost, time, and quality requirements. Lead in the creation of designs in 3D CAD using SolidWorks software. Lead and work in collaboration with the team to perform classical engineering analysis on designs, including stress, fatigue & vibration using conventional analysis and computer simulation. Perform lab testing for verification and conformance of design outputs to meet the design inputs. Be responsible for leading and developing engineering reports to support new product designs, failure investigation and any other formal documentation to support customer requirements. Coordinate with wider engineering teams to integrate electronic, control and drive systems into equipment designs. Provide support for the production, test, and field engineering teams. Support the sales teams with bids and quotations. Work with project managers and sales teams to provide time estimates for design activities and keep appraised of progress. Support and assist the Sales Team in producing proposals and quotations/sales literature. Take the lead with responsibility for timely delivery of outputs within defined deadlines. Skills & Experience Essential Experience in the design of complex mechanisms and structures. Proven experience in the design of systems from original concept design, produced from a specification, through to production in a lead role. Ability to analyse the loads on, and design solutions for drive mechanisms and motor systems. Have an understanding of the application of machining, casting, fabrication and moulding techniques. Have experience in the use of a 3D CAD system (ideally SolidWorks). Strong understanding of the technical work being carried out and related activities. Ability to lead the technical activities of a project design team, controlling workload and design output. Desirable Experience in designing for use in harsh environments. Experience of working in the Defence or related sectors particularly in R&D and manufacturing, such as scientific equipment manufacturers, special purpose machine builders or high-end customisation companies. Experience and knowledge of coaching in support of talent development within the team. Previous experience in a similar level position in a ‘Senior’ level role, preferably in a small or medium-sized company and/or relevant business model. Personal Attributes Have a flair for innovation, new concept designs and a passion for mechanical engineering. Ability to liaise with customers verbally and in writing in an effective manner, producing reports and participating in formal design reviews. Have excellent stakeholder management and relationship building skills. Be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders to understand diverse and complex requirements. Ability to fit in and work well both in a team and in working autonomously when required. Degree educated in Mechanical Engineering Proficient in performing engineering calculations. Experience of working and delivering within a continuous improvement environment coupled with a personal drive for continuous improvement. Work life balance: 37.5 hour working week. Lunchtime finishes on a Friday. Hybrid / flexible working arrangements. 28 days annual leave. Christmas closure. Holiday purchasing scheme. Benefits: Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%. Income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme. Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations. Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline. Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme. Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme. Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing. Regular sports and social activities. Gym membership discounts. Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings). Recruitment referral bonus scheme. Excellent learning & development opportunities. Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations. Security Clearance Requirements: Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years. LI-NM1