Mechanical Design Engineer

We are searching for a full-time and permanent Mechanical Design Engineer for an exciting manufacturing business based in Exeter.


Please note, this is a hybrid role and you can work from home 1 day per week after probation.

You will therefore need to live within a commutable distance of Exeter or be in a position to relocate to the area to be considered for the vacancy.


You will be working within the R&D department, and you will be responsible for R&D design initiatives alongside the maintenance, update and optimisation of existing product ranges within production.


Reporting to the Technical Engineering Manager, you will be expected to support R&D projects that provide cost reduction, manufacturing and quality improvements in addition to the continuous improvement of existing product ranges.


You will be responsible for identifying opportunities to improve product performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality and cost; as well as managing design changes from initial concept through to implementation.



You will be responsible for the following: -



  • Product design and development.

  • Design for manufacture.

  • Cross-functional collaboration.

  • Project support and delivery.

  • Design risk management.

  • Engineering standards.

  • Continuous improvement.



Main duties will include the following: -



  • Lead R&D projects from initial requirements through to design, testing, implementation and production.

  • 3D modelling of updated product and part designs, taking new designs from concept to manufacture.

  • Creation of accurate 2D technical manufacturing drawings.

  • Creation and maintenance of production sheet metal fold simulation programs for press brakes.

  • Creation of DXFS files for sheet metal punch and laser manufacturing processes.

  • Carry out tolerance analysis of designs, ensuring designed parts are suitable for manufacturing and assembly processes.

  • Identify and deliver improvements to existing product ranges to enhance performance, reliability, quality, cost and manufacturability.

  • Manage engineering change requests, ensuring drawings, CAD models, specifications and associated documentation is updated.

  • Identify, assess and mitigate design risks.

  • Support DFMEA reviews with project stakeholders throughout the new product development cycle, ensuring requirements are implemented within the design and risks are mitigated.

  • Work with technical administrators to ensure new product BOMs are maintained and accurate.

  • Carry out design reviews with multiple stakeholders, ensuring product requirements are met and balancing input from multiple teams.


Required qualifications are: -



  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Design or a related Engineering discipline.

  • Strong understanding of engineering design principles.

  • Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings and specifications.

  • Strong understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes, materials and tolerances.

  • Strong background in product design and prototyping.

  • Strong project management skills.

  • Proven experience of working with 3D CAD packages and generating 2D technical drawings.

  • Capable of building good working relationships.

  • Ability to prioritise work using own initiative.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


Experience in the following areas is highly desirable: -



  • Formal training in FMEA, design verification and validation processes.

  • Knowledge of domestic heating products.

  • Folding simulation software experience.

  • Solid Edge software experience.

  • Experience using PDM/PLM and ERP systems.


  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Methodologies.


The role is offered on an 8.00am to 4.30pm basis, Monday to Friday.


The role comes with an excellent benefits package include 32 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, free parking, staff discounts, free eye tests and ongoing training.


KEYWORDS
R&D, Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Design & Development, Design for Manufacture, Continuous Improvement, 3D CAD, 2D Drawings, DFMEA, BOMs, Solid Edge, Sheet Metal


To be considered for this role you must have the Right to Work long-term in the UK without company sponsorship.



Please note that due to a high level of applications, we can only respond to applicants whose skills and qualifications are suitable for this position.



No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.


Bowerford Associates Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.


  • Start: 16/11/2026
  • Rate: £37500 - £40000 per annum + 32 days holiday + Pension + Training
  • Location: Exeter, England
  • Type: Permanent
  • Industry: Engineering
  • Recruiter: Bowerford Associates
  • Contact: Matthew Alford
  • Tel: 07930 849353
  • Email: to view click here
  • Posted: 2026-09-22 18:12:59 -

  • View all Jobs from Bowerford Associates


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