The opportunity I'm representing a specialist engineering and manufacturing business looking to recruit a Design Engineer into its growing design team.This is a varied, hands-on position offering exposure to a wide range of bespoke engineering projects, new product development and rapid prototyping. Working within a small design function, you'll have significant ownership of your projects and will see designs progress from initial concept through to manufacture and the finished product.The business has a close-knit, modern working environment where design and manufacturing work closely together. This would suit an engineer who enjoys solving problems, getting involved and seeing the physical results of their work rather than sitting within a large, heavily structured engineering department. As a Design Engineer, you will: Design and develop bespoke mechanical products and assemblies using SolidWorks Produce 3D models, detailed drawings and manufacturing information Support projects from initial concept through design, prototyping and manufacture Work on a mixture of new product development, R&D and existing product improvement Work closely with manufacturing and other departments to ensure designs are practical and achievable Take ownership of engineering problems and develop effective solutions Contribute to rapid prototype development Work with a variety of components and materials, including fabricated parts, plastics and other manufactured products Utilise modern engineering capabilities including 3D printing and 3D scanning Build strong working relationships across the wider business Support the wider design function and take responsibility for projects with increasing independenceWhat they're looking forThe successful candidate will ideally have: Previous experience within a Mechanical Design Engineer, Design Engineer or similar role Experience using SolidWorks or a comparable 3D CAD package Experience designing products, components or fabricated assemblies for manufacture A good understanding of practical manufacturing processes The confidence to work independently and take ownership of projects Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively Excellent communication and relationship-building skills A willingness to work closely with production and other areas of the business Why consider this opportunity? This isn't a role where you'll spend every day making small amendments to the same product.You'll join a business where engineering projects are varied, development can move quickly and you'll have the opportunity to see your designs physically manufactured. Benefits of the opportunity include: Salary up to £35,000 Varied mechanical design and development work Genuine R&D and new product development Exposure to rapid prototyping 3D printing and scanning capabilities Small design team offering significant responsibility and visibility Supportive and collaborative working environment Opportunity to work closely with manufacturing Interesting, bespoke engineering projects The chance to take genuine ownership rather than being one engineer within a large design departmentThe ideal person More than anything, the business is looking for someone who can stand on their own two feet.You don't need to know everything from day one, but you'll need to be a free thinker who is comfortable taking a problem, speaking to the right people and developing a solution. Communication is particularly important, as you'll regularly work with colleagues outside of the design team. For someone early in their engineering career who already has some solid industry experience and now wants more autonomy, variety and responsibility, this could be an excellent next move. Interested? Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the position. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)