Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer | Burton upon Trent | £40,000 - £50,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership of mechanical design projects, contribute to the development of innovative rail and heavy engineering solutions, and play a key role in bringing engineering concepts to life, this is an opportunity to join a specialist engineering business operating within the locomotive sector.

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, development and technical detailing of locomotive systems and components across new-build, refurbishment and aftermarket projects. Reporting directly to the Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will work closely with manufacturing, operations, electrical engineering and project teams to deliver practical, cost-effective and reliable engineering solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced design engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges within a heavy engineering environment. You'll be involved throughout the design lifecycle, from concept development and 3D modelling through to production support, testing and continuous improvement activities.

Working within a collaborative engineering team, you'll have the opportunity to influence product performance, improve design standards and contribute to innovative solutions that support the future growth of the business.

Mechanical Design Engineer Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Development: Develop detailed mechanical designs, 3D models and engineering solutions for locomotives, components and associated systems in line with project requirements.

Technical Documentation: Produce accurate engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials and manufacturing documentation to support production and assembly activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Electrical Engineering, Service and Project teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, safe and commercially viable.

Engineering Analysis: Carry out design calculations, stress analysis and engineering simulations to validate the integrity, performance and reliability of mechanical systems.

Design Reviews & Change Control: Support engineering reviews, design validation activities and change management processes while ensuring compliance with company standards and procedures.

Material & Component Selection: Assist in the evaluation and selection of materials, components and manufacturing methods to optimise quality, performance and cost.

Production Support: Investigate and resolve design-related issues arising during manufacturing, testing or in-service operation, implementing practical corrective actions where required.

Continuous Improvement: Contribute to design standardisation, process improvements and innovation initiatives that enhance engineering efficiency and product performance.

Technical Compliance: Ensure designs comply with relevant engineering standards, safety requirements and industry best practices.

Ideal Mechanical Design Engineer

Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Mechanical Design Experience: Proven experience in mechanical design within locomotives, rail, heavy machinery, transportation equipment or a related engineering sector.

3D CAD Expertise: Strong capability using 3D CAD software such as Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA or Creo, with excellent knowledge of engineering drawing standards.

Engineering Analysis Skills: Experience completing design calculations, stress analysis, FEA or similar engineering simulation activities.

Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, fabrication processes and manufacturing techniques.

Problem-Solving Ability: Able to identify engineering challenges, analyse root causes and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.

Project Management Skills: Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities while delivering work to agreed timescales.

Communication & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing and operational teams.

Quality Focus: High attention to detail and commitment to delivering robust engineering solutions and technical excellence.

Innovation Mindset: A proactive engineer who enjoys developing practical, efficient and cost-effective design solutions.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Burton upon Trent

Working Pattern: Full-time, site-based

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Future Flexibility: Flexible and flexi-time arrangements are planned for future implementation.

Mechanical Design Engineer Salary & Benefits

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
Auto-enrolment pension scheme (3% employer / 5% employee contributions)
Death in Service benefit of 2x annual basic salary from day one
Employee sickness benefit following successful completion of probation:

4 weeks basic pay initially
Increases by 1 week per completed year of service
Up to a maximum entitlement of 11 weeks paid sickness leave

Ongoing training and development opportunities
Exposure to a diverse range of complex engineering and locomotive projects
Supportive and collaborative engineering environment

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.

Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.

Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.

Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed