Lead Mechanical Engineer

Location: On site- Loanhead, Edinburgh

Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week

Contract Type: Permanent

Join Our Team: Lead Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Design team at MacTaggart Scott. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically capable engineering professional to take on a key leadership role within our Mechanical Engineering team, supporting the delivery of innovative engineering solutions within the naval defence sector.

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and guidance across engineering activities while supporting the development of engineers within your team. Working closely with the Principal Engineer (Mechanical), you will help drive technical excellence, continuous improvement, and engineering best practice across projects and deliverables.

Based on site at our Loanhead facility, this role would suit someone who enjoys leading technical teams, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing to high-profile defence engineering projects in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

About Us

MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.

What is the job about?

As our Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will act as a technical lead within the Mechanical Engineering team, ensuring engineering excellence across projects while mentoring and supporting engineers within your team. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet customer requirements while promoting best practice and continuous improvement across the Design Department.

This is a varied and hands-on role where you will combine technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, supporting both engineering delivery and team development within a highly regulated defence environment.

Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Drive technical excellence within the Mechanical Engineering team, ensuring customer requirements are delivered on time and to schedule
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to engineers within your team
• Promote engineering best practice, innovation, and lessons learned across projects and activities
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the ongoing development of engineering processes
• Create, review, and authorise engineering deliverables for internal and external customers
• Undertake Senior Design Engineer or Project Engineer responsibilities where required
• Conduct Staff Development Reviews (SDRs) for engineers within your team
• Build strong working relationships across departments, stakeholders, and customers
• Support the Principal Engineer (Mechanical) in driving engineering standards and technical excellence

About You

• Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong technical background
• Proven track record of leading technical projects and engineering teams
• Strong problem-solving skills with an innovative and proactive approach
• Experience creating, reviewing, and approving engineering documentation
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment
• Flexible approach to engineering activities and changing project requirements
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications

Desirable:

• Subsea engineering experience
• Security clearance
• Awareness of military environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and equipment standards
• MEng in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered Engineer status

Qualifications:

• BSc or BEng in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent), or relevant Apprenticeship with HNC
• Affiliation with a relevant professional body

Additional Information:

• This role will require travel, including periods away from home where required
• The successful candidate must be able to satisfy Ministry of Defence security requirements

Benefits

Your future And What We Offer:

• Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (Mon-Thurs 07:00–19:15 with core hours 09:30–15:30, Friday 07:00 – 16:00 with core hours 09:30 – 12:00), allowing you to fit work around your life.
• Leave Entitlements: Inclusive annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, annual leave buy and sell, and more.
• Career Development: Supportive environment with a dedicated Learning & Development team and clear pathways to grow your career.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our comprehensive wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite nurse, and life insurance.
• Health & Protection: Sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives.
• Onsite Facilities: Canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work scheme for convenience.
• Financial Benefits: Generous company pension plan and exclusive employee discounts.

If you are looking to take the next step in your engineering career within a technically challenging and rewarding defence environment, we would welcome your application.