Design Engineer

Location: Loanhead, Edinburgh

Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week

Contract: Permanent

Join Our Team: Design Engineer

We are looking for a motivated and detail-focused Design Engineer to join our Engineering Support team. Reporting to the Engineering Support Manager, you will play a key role in providing technical support across the business, supporting manufacturing, production, QA, procurement, and occasionally external customers.

This is a hands-on, collaborative role where you will be involved in designing jigs, fixtures, and tooling, producing and maintaining engineering drawings, and supporting technical problem-solving across a fast-paced manufacturing environment. As your experience grows, you may also become involved in in-service design modifications.

About Us

For over a century, MacTaggart Scott has played a vital role in supporting the Naval Defence sector, delivering innovative engineering solutions from design through to manufacture, commissioning, and long-term support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our engineering heritage, commitment to quality, and continuous improvement.

What is the Job About?

The Design Engineer provides technical and design support across multiple internal functions, helping to resolve manufacturing and engineering challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. You will design components, jigs, fixtures, and tooling, and produce accurate engineering drawings to support production and manufacturing activities.

Success in this role is measured by the quality and accuracy of design outputs, responsiveness to technical issues, and the ability to support manufacturing and engineering teams effectively under time-sensitive conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Production, QA, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other internal teams
• Liaise regularly with workshop and manufacturing teams to support day-to-day engineering requirements
• Design jigs, fixtures, and special tools to support manufacturing processes
• Produce and maintain accurate, high-quality engineering drawings
• Support in-house manufacturing and test activities by resolving technical issues
• Develop effective engineering solutions for repair, modification, and refurbishment work
• Provide additional design/drawing support to the wider engineering team during periods of high workload
• Maintain configuration control of engineering drawing sets
• Ensure compliance with safe working practices and promote a strong safety culture

About You

You are a practical and solutions focused engineer with strong design capability and a passion for problem-solving. You are comfortable working with minimal supervision, but also enjoy collaborating within a supportive engineering team environment. You take pride in producing accurate technical work and have a proactive approach to supporting manufacturing challenges.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Experience using 3D solid modelling and engineering drawing software
• Strong problem-solving ability with a practical and innovative mindset
• Flexible and adaptable approach to workload and priorities
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications

Desirable

• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) or structural analysis
• Previous experience producing high-quality technical drawings in a manufacturing environment
• Awareness of military/defence engineering standards (e.g. safety, EMC, shock, vibration, hazardous areas)
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems or control integration
• Security cleared or eligible for security clearance

Qualifications

Essential:

• Apprenticeship with HNC/HND (or equivalent experience)

Desirable:

• BSc or BEng in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a collaborative Engineering Support team where your ideas and technical input directly support production and operational success. We offer a supportive environment with opportunities to develop your skills, take on varied technical challenges, and grow your engineering career.

Your Future at MacTaggart Scott – What We Offer

• Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00–19:00, core hours 09:30–15:30).

• Comprehensive Leave Policy including annual leave, paid parental leave, and military reservist leave.
• Career Development & Learning Support through our dedicated Learning and Development team.
• Wellbeing Programmes including an Employee Assistance Programme, online wellbeing resources, and onsite nurse.
• Health & Lifestyle Benefits such as life insurance, sick pay, free flu jabs, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Financial & Recognition Rewards including a company pension and a generous employee referral scheme.
• Convenience & Facilities: free onsite parking, canteen, and employee discounts.