Job Title - Mechanical Design Engineer
Report To - Technical Product Manager
Direct Reports - None
Salary Band - Up to £45,000 Depending on Experience (2+)
Place of Work - Reading Office based with some hybrid option
Hours of Work - 7am – 4pm / 8am-5pm Monday to Friday with some flexibility
Leave - 20 Days plus Bank Holidays
Benefits
Overall purpose:
We're seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design and Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between our design and production teams. You'll play a pivotal role in transforming approved design concepts into manufacturable, market-ready products. This is a hands-on position that demands technical precision, creative problem-solving, and a genuine passion for engineering excellence.
You'll manage critical project handovers, produce comprehensive technical documentation, and collaborate across departments to ensure seamless execution. You'll also identify opportunities for product improvement and cost optimisation without compromising the security performance or aesthetic standards our clients demand.
Top three goals for Year One:
- Technical Independence (Months 6-12): Own the technical bridge from design approval to production-ready output
- Technical Authority (Months 6-18): Become the go-to technical resource for colleagues and clients
- Strategic Contribution (Months 12-24 and beyond): Help drive measurable improvements in product design, R&D, and cost optimization
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage project handovers from design to production, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all deliverables
- Produce detailed technical drawings, production documentation, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) that support manufacturing processes and meet security certification requirements
- Design and refine components to improve manufacturability, cost efficiency, and ease of installation whilst maintaining strong aesthetic standards and security performance
- Collaborate closely with design, production, R&D, and project management teams to ensure seamless project execution and resolve technical challenges
- Support R&D and product development initiatives, contributing to the evolution of our product range
- Identify and implement product or process improvements to enhance performance, quality, reliability, and overall value
- Work directly with clients and suppliers when required, supporting clear communication and efficient project delivery
- Ensure all documentation meets relevant security standards and certification requirements (LPS 1175, ballistic, blast, etc.)
Key Performance Indicators:
- Average days from design approval to production-ready handover
- Percentage of production documents released without requiring correction or clarification
Hours per week of senior technical input required
Qualifications:
- Ideally GSCEs and A Levels, while you will be qualified by experience
Essential Experience:
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and ideally AutoCAD
- Strong experience of Microsoft Excel and ability to create and manage BOMs
- Two years+ experience in mechanical or product engineering, manufacturing, or related field
Desirable Experience:
- Familiarity with specialist manufacturing
- Experience working in regulated industries or with certification requirements
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or process optimisation principles
- Experience with project management tools or systems
Skills:
- Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in all technical deliverables
- Ability to work methodically and meet project deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal
- Willingness to learn about security specifications and manufacturing constraints
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement
Personal Qualities:
You are meticulous and driven by precision, with an exceptional eye for technical detail and a genuine curiosity to understand how products work from design through to manufacturing. You combine systematic discipline with entrepreneurial energy—you don't just execute tasks, you find ways to make things happen and spot problems before they become issues. Your creative problem-solving helps you balance elegant design with manufacturability and cost-effectiveness. You take pride in quality because you understand these products protect high-value assets and people in demanding environments. You communicate clearly, bridging design and production teams, and you're action-oriented—delivering results on time without getting bogged down in unnecessary concerns