Design Engineer - Gateshead

Company Description, Profile And Scope Of Role

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced Design Engineer with deep expertise in SolidWorks and mechanical/fluid design to join a growing, independently branded UK manufacturing business backed by a global parent group. Operating within an established engineering team, you will drive products through the complete design lifecycle—taking concepts from initial R&D and prototype testing through to serial manufacture, while leading continuous product and process improvement projects across the existing portfolio.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead 3D mechanical design and product development for both new product introductions (NPI) and existing product ranges.
• Create full production-ready data packages, including complex 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, GD&T, and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Build R&D prototypes, design test rigs, and execute physical testing protocols.
• Conduct material selection, stress/flow evaluations, and design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA).
• Work alongside component suppliers and manufacturing partners throughout the development lifecycle to resolve technical queries and optimize sourcing.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industrial quality management systems (ISO 9001) and regulatory/product approval standards.
• Provide technical support to sales, production, suppliers, and external development partners.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills And Attributes

Essential:

• Education: Degree (BEng/BSc), HND/HNC, or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Product/Industrial Design, or a related discipline (proven practical experience equally valued).
• CAD Proficiency: Strong, demonstrable proficiency in SolidWorks for complex assemblies, sheet metal, and detailed drawing packages.
• Industry Domain: Proven track record in mechanical, electromechanical, or fluid/pressure handling equipment design (3–5+ years within a manufacturing environment).
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Sound understanding of material selection, metal fabrication, machining, and modern production processes.
• Execution & Ownership: Proactive project management skills with a drive to see products through to commercial manufacture smoothly. Highly Desirable:
• Direct experience in compressed air, pneumatic circuits, gas purification/separation, filtration, or pressure vessel design (e.g., PED compliance).
• Alternative acceptable backgrounds: Candidates with strong fluid dynamics, industrial hydraulics, HVAC/refrigeration circuits, process skids, or valve/manifold design experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience with physical testing, prototype fabrication, or dynamic fluid/pressure testing environments.

Details Of Package

Salary from £40,000 to £50,000 (Depending on experience) + PR Bonus (Up to 8%) + Flexible working around start and finish times (details negotiable) + Benefits (39 Hour week) 07:30 – 16:00 Mon – Thurs / 07:00 – 14:00 Fri