Design Engineer

This is a hands-on management position combining technical design expertise with team leadership to help ensure projects move smoothly from initial concept through to manufacture and installation. .

You will oversee a team of experienced CAD designers working across a variety of new and existing projects. Working closely with the Project Management and Production teams, you will help ensure designs are practical, commercially viable and manufactured to the required standards.

You will have the opportunity to influence how the design function operates, develop your team and contribute to improving processes and efficiency across the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and support a team of experienced design engineers, helping them develop their technical and professional skills
• Review and oversee design work, ensuring drawings and specifications meet the required technical, safety and manufacturing standards
• Provide guidance on complex design issues and act as a source of technical support for the wider team
• Manage workloads and priorities to help ensure projects are completed within agreed timescales
• Work closely with Production to ensure designs are suitable for efficient manufacture, fabrication and installation
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Liaise with Project Managers, customers, suppliers and other departments where required to develop practical design solutions
• Ensure designs take account of fabrication, construction and installation requirements from the outset
• Help maintain high standards across the design function while encouraging a positive, collaborative working environment
• Support the ongoing development of the design team through coaching, feedback and effective performance management

• Previous experience leading or managing a design team, ideally within manufacturing or construction
• Strong practical understanding of engineering design principles
• Good working knowledge of CAD software, ideally SolidWorks
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into practical, manufacturable designs
• Experience of working collaboratively with production or manufacturing teams
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable experience:

• Experience of managing external contractors or specialist suppliers
• Experience of developing team members through structured feedback, coaching and performance management
• Knowledge of design-for-manufacture principles and improving production efficiency

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance

Cornwall

Required from Autumn / Winter 2026 / 2027 to lead a talented design team, influence the way projects are designed and manufactured and play an important part in shaping its future.

Are you an inspiring Design Engineer or Design Manager looking for a new opportunity to use your technical knowledge, leadership and ideas to make a genuine difference?

Our client is a leading UK manufacturing specialist in their sector, with a well-established reputation for innovative design, quality, craftsmanship and client satisfaction. As an employee-owned business, its people have a real stake in the success of the company and play an important part in shaping its future.