Senior Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Lead mechanical design, ensure compliance, mentor staff, manage budgets on complex projects

Key Responsibilities

• design authority
• technical leadership
• client liaison
• budget management
• design validation
• cost optimization

Tasks

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer you will lead the delivery of innovative and compliant mechanical engineering solutions across our client's complex and high-value projects. This senior position provides technical leadership and design authority across the full project lifecycle—from concept development through to commissioning—ensuring all mechanical designs meet exacting standards for safety, quality, functionality, and cost. -Optimise use of bespoke, COTS, and MOTS components to meet technical and commercial requirements. -Lead mechanical engineering activities across multiple projects, from concept to completion. -Support the growth and development of junior engineers through coaching, technical oversight, and knowledge sharing. -Contribute to project profitability through efficient, scalable, and compliant design solutions. -Own and approve detailed mechanical designs, ensuring alignment with performance, safety, compliance, and cost objectives. -Support project bids and proposals with technical input and engineering estimates. -Approve and oversee the creation of technical documentation including: -Manage and monitor design phase budgets, resource allocation, and delivery timelines. -Deliver robust, validated designs that align with client specifications, legislative standards, and internal design procedures. -Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety legislation, and regulatory frameworks (e.g. CE, UKCA, Machinery Directive). -Oversee FAT/SAT preparation, prototype testing, and ensure system validation aligns with contractual and legislative requirements. -Act as a point of contact for clients on mechanical engineering matters, supporting stakeholder confidence and project outcomes. -Sign off on design outputs including calculations, drawings, substantiation reports, and compliance documentation. -Balance innovative engineering with pragmatic, commercially viable solutions that consider cost, risk, and lifecycle performance. -Provide technical leadership during design reviews, gate checks, and multi-disciplinary design coordination meetings. -Validate and approve design outputs through calculations, simulation, or physical testing. -Work closely with project managers, software, EC&I, procurement, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver fully integrated solutions. -Promote engineering best practices and continuous improvement within the mechanical design function. -Identify cost drivers within the design and propose value engineering options where appropriate. -Act as a technical authority on projects, providing direction, mentorship, and guidance to engineers and designers. -Support the commissioning and installation teams with design queries, changes, and technical documentation.

Requirements

• solidworks
• inventor
• 3d cad
• mechanical design
• compliance
• commercial awareness

What You Bring

As a key technical expert, the Senior Mechanical Engineer plays a strategic role in driving engineering excellence, approving critical design deliverables, and supporting commercial decision-making. The role combines technical depth with commercial awareness, requiring the ability to manage design budgets, influence client outcomes, and contribute to business performance. -High proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and 2D drawing production to industry standards. -3D models and 2D drawings (GAs, sub-assemblies, detailed parts) -Organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple workstreams and priorities. -CE technical files and compliance documentation -Commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets, assess cost implications, and contribute to tendering. -Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills, capable of working across departments and with clients. -Significant experience in mechanical design engineering within a technically demanding, project-led environment. -Strong knowledge of mechanical principles, materials, manufacturing methods, and design for assembly. -Proven track record of delivering complex engineering projects from concept to commissioning. -Experience approving technical documentation for compliance and client submission. -Skilled in producing and reviewing engineering calculations and substantiation reports.

Benefits

Mentorship & Development Salary: £50-65K, commensurate with experience + benefits

About Nicholas Associates

-The company focuses on delivering high-quality talent solutions across multiple industries, offering specialized expertise in recruitment and consulting. -Nicholas Associates is particularly well-regarded for its work in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industrial. -With decades of experience, they have developed a deep understanding of client needs, making them a go-to partner for complex projects. -The company has an impressive portfolio of delivering critical projects across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. -Through their targeted recruitment and consultancy services, Nicholas Associates has a reputation for matching top-tier talent to challenging roles. -Their industry insights help clients navigate complex project demands, whether in construction, energy, or large-scale infrastructure developments.

Sector Specialisms