Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager

Northamptonshire

Salary: £50,000 – 60,000

Hybrid working options

The Company:

Our client is a specialist in designs and manufactures bespoke materials handling systems for the logistics, food and pharmaceutical sectors.

The business has a very tight neat team employing around 30 members of staff and generating a combined turnover of £4 million.

The company have a fantastic opportunity for a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager to join their business with immediate effect. The role would suit someone who wants to take on the responsibility of managing and directing others whilst still enjoying taking the lead on design projects.

The Role:

As a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager you will be responsible for the leadership and management of two other mechanical design engineers in the team whilst taking the lead for the design projects the business is delivering on.   The role will see you still circa 40% hands on with design and project work.

Your key responsibilities for this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role will include:

Managing the mechanical design engineers in the team organising their workload and activities on a day to day basis against business projects.
Producing 3D designs and 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
Conducting site surveys to gather measurements and client requirements.
Preparing your own Bill of Materials (BOMs), user manuals, and risk assessments.
Performing engineering calculations, including motor speeds, stress, and force analysis.
Managing projects from proposal to final check-in after installation.
Traveling to UK client sites, with occasional overnight stays.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives on combining technical expertise with client-facing project management.
The Candidate

To be successful in your application for this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role you will need:

Experience in design of either bespoke equipment, machinery or conveyors.
To enjoy taking responsibility for the management and direction of others.
To be someone who enjoys taking accountability and ownership for delivering results.
Proficiency with CAD software—SolidWorks is preferred, but Inventor experience will be considered.
A solid understanding of manufacturing processes and cost-effective design.
Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
Experience with SolidWorks PDM is highly desirable but not essential.
The Benefits:

For this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role you will receive:

Basic Salary £50,000 – 60,000
Hybrid working options (2–3 days remote per week).
25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
Death in service benefit (4x salary).
Standard working hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with early finishes on Fridays.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation