Mechanical Design Engineer

About Ridgway Machines

With a heritage exceeding 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a leading manufacturer specializing in precision taping and winding machinery serving sectors such as electrical, energy, and oil & gas. Recently integrated with Tokamak Energy to drive forward superconducting technology, the company actively contributes to landmark global projects including the ITER Fusion Power Plant and CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Located at Meridian Business Park, Leicester, the company prides itself on a dedicated team of expert engineers working on advanced power generation equipment.

Role Overview

We seek to hire two Mechanical Design Engineers to join our expanding team. While one position suits a more seasoned engineer, we welcome candidates at various career stages demonstrating robust mechanical design expertise and eagerness for growth.

This position is hands-on and centers on designing and advancing custom machinery. Responsibilities include generating calculations, assembly and technical drawings, and producing documentation that supports innovative customer solutions. Early assignments may focus on specific subsystems or components, with progression to managing entire machine projects as experience grows.

The role offers exposure to the full product development cycle, from initial concept through manufacturing, installation, and delivery. There may be occasional travel and customer engagement as responsibility increases.

Key Duties

• Develop mechanical systems and tailored machinery designs
• Create engineering calculations, detailed drawings, assembly schematics, and bill of materials
• Assist in research and development across customer projects
• Engage in design reviews ensuring compliance with quality, cost, and timeline goals
• Integrate safety, risk assessments, and regulatory standards in design stages
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to facilitate successful machine assembly and delivery
• Work alongside suppliers to explore and implement advanced engineering technologies
• Interact with customers to present technical solutions and support project conversations
• Contribute to technical and operational documentation including construction files and manuals

Success Indicators

• Consistently delivering manufacturing-efficient, high-quality mechanical designs
• Assuming greater responsibility for complex machine projects and ownership
• Ensuring punctual delivery through precise and feasible engineering work
• Building effective partnerships within engineering and manufacturing teams

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in mechanical design within engineering or manufacturing environments
• Strong analytical skills with adept problem-solving capabilities
• Proficiency in creating technical and engineering drawings and documentation
• Experience working with 3D CAD modelling tools
• Knowledgeable in material selection and manufacturing processes
• Understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Capability to work cooperatively within multidisciplinary team projects

Preferred Skills

• Background in special purpose machinery, automation systems, or customized engineering equipment
• Experience engaging directly with customers from an engineering perspective
• Familiarity with electrical systems to collaborate well with electrical engineers
• Experience leading design reviews, technical discussions, or engineering projects

Benefits and Work Conditions

• Competitive salary ranging from A335,000 to A350,000 depending on skills and experience
• 37.5-hour workweek with early Friday finish at 1:30 PM for production staff
• Complimentary parking facilities
• 25 days paid annual leave including 3 days for Christmas closure, plus 8 public holidays
• Company bonus scheme participation
• Stakeholder pension plan
• Family-friendly workplace policies
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Potential for international travel
• Provision of corporate work apparel
• Relocation support available

Additional Information

Appointment is subject to pre-employment verification including right-to-work checks, identity confirmation, and references.

Personal data collected during recruitment will be handled in compliance with GDPR and UK data protection regulations.

Ridgway Machines is committed to equal opportunity employment and bases employment decisions on merit without discrimination on any protected characteristics. We foster an inclusive recruitment experience and accommodate reasonable adjustments for candidates requiring assistance during application or interview stages.