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