Design Engineer – Mechanical Engineering
Location: Crawley, West Sussex (On-site, no hybrid working)
Salary: £53,000 – £58,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of our client, a highly respected manufacturer of special purpose machinery, for the appointment of an experienced Design Engineer to join their well-established team based in Crawley, West Sussex.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented mechanical design professional to contribute to innovative engineering projects within a technically driven and globally operating organisation. This role is strictly on-site and offers long-term stability and clear progression potential for the right individual.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will be responsible for the full cycle of mechanical design – from concept through to integration – using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical. Your work will directly contribute to the development and delivery of custom-engineered solutions for clients across the globe.
This role requires hands-on engagement with the production and testing teams, a practical mindset, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent design tasks under tight timescales.
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical design of special purpose machinery using 2D and 3D CAD software
Produce and maintain technical drawings, BOMs, and documentation
Collaborate with assembly and test technicians to ensure design feasibility
Offer practical, cost-effective solutions to design changes or modifications
Liaise directly with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to clarify requirements and support installation
Conduct occasional travel, both UK and overseas, for client site visits
Provide technical support to internal departments and external customers
Maintain design records and manage issue levels within the MRP system
Essential Requirements:
BEng or MEng in Mechanical Engineering (Product Design degrees not suitable)
Minimum 8 years of industrial mechanical design experience
Proficiency in 3D and 2D design software (preferably Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical)
Hands-on experience designing machinery such as conveyors, packaging, or other mechanical systems
Ability to manage simultaneous projects with strict deadlines
Fluent English (spoken and written)
Unrestricted worldwide travel availability
Full UK manual or automatic driving licence
Desirable Attributes:
Experience using Autodesk Vault
Exposure to sheet metal and special-purpose machinery design
Practical interest in mechanical hobbies
Foreign language skills
Package & Benefits:
£53,000 – £58,000 per annum
Standard hours: Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 17:15
33 days holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with service
5% pension from start, increasing to 8% after qualifying period
Life assurance after 6 months
Private healthcare after 2–3 years
All out-of-pocket travel expenses reimbursed