Mechanical Design Engineer

With over 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a world-leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical, energy, and oil & gas industries. Recently acquired by Tokamak Energy to accelerate superconducting technology, we're involved in some of the world's most exciting engineering projects—including ITER's Fusion Power Plant and CERN's Large Hadron Collider.

From innovative designs to global customer support, we deliver expert solutions for clients worldwide. Based at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, we're a skilled team of specialist engineers working at the cutting edge of power generation machinery.

About the Role

As part of continued business growth, we are looking to appoint two Mechanical Design Engineers to join our engineering team in Leicester. One appointment is likely to suit a more experienced engineer, although we remain open to candidates at different stages of their career who can demonstrate strong mechanical design capability and a desire to develop.

You will be involved in the design and integration of a wide range of mechanical systems used within our bespoke machines, including pneumatic, hydraulic, motor, drive and motion control systems. The role would suit an engineer with experience specifying, designing or integrating complex machine subsystems who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems. You will work on a wide variety of projects, producing the calculations, drawings, assemblies and technical documentation required to deliver innovative customer solutions. Initially, you may be responsible for specific machine subsystems or components before progressing to full machine ownership as your experience develops.

Working closely with experienced engineers, you will gain exposure to the complete machine lifecycle, from concept development through to manufacture, installation and customer delivery. Occasional customer interaction and travel may form part of the role as your responsibilities grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop bespoke machinery and machine subsystems, including mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, motor and drive systems.
• Specify and integrate components such as motors, gearboxes, actuators, linear motion systems, pneumatic equipment and hydraulic assemblies as part of complete machine solutions.
• Produce engineering calculations, technical drawings, assembly drawings and bills of materials.
• Support research and development activities across customer projects.
• Participate in design reviews, ensuring designs meet quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Consider machine safety, risk assessment and regulatory compliance throughout the design process.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support successful machine build and delivery.
• Work with suppliers to identify and implement new technologies and engineering solutions.
• Liaise with customers where appropriate, presenting technical solutions and supporting project discussions.
• Contribute to technical documentation, construction files and operating manuals where required.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivering high-quality engineering designs that can be manufactured efficiently.
• Taking increasing ownership of larger machine packages and projects.
• Supporting on-time delivery through accurate, practical engineering solutions.
• Building strong relationships across engineering, manufact

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience producing mechanical designs within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong engineering analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Experience creating engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• 3D CAD modelling experience.
• Understanding of materials selection and manufacturing processes.
• Appreciation of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Desirable

• Experience designing or integrating mechanical power transmission, pneumatic, hydraulic, motor and drive systems within industrial machinery.
• Experience of special-purpose machinery, automation equipment, robotics or bespoke engineering systems.
• Understanding of motion control, actuators, bearings, gearboxes and machine mechanisms.
• Customer-facing engineering experience.
• Knowledge of electrical systems sufficient to collaborate effectively with electrical engineering partners.
• Experience leading technical discussions, design reviews or engineering projects.

• Salary range £40,000 to £60,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
• Free parking
• 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
• Company Bonus scheme
• Stakeholder Pension
• Family friendly policies
• Training and Personal Development
• Some onward International Travel Opportunities
• Complementary corporate work wear
• Relocation Assistance

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Ridgway Machines as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with Ridgway Machines and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.