Mechanical Engineer — Derby DE24
SolidWorks Essential · £35,000–£42,000

3D Modelling & Detailed Drawings: Create and maintain complex SolidWorks assemblies, part models, and production-ready engineering drawings to the highest tolerancing standards.

Prototype Development & Testing: Specify, build, and evaluate physical prototypes, feeding results back into iterative design cycles to optimise performance and reduce cost.

Design for Manufacture (DFM): Apply DFM principles to ensure components are optimised for production, assembly, and long-term serviceability, minimising lead times and material waste.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise directly with supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing teams to resolve technical queries and ensure designs translate seamlessly into production.

Engineering Change Management: Manage ECRs and ECOs through the PDM/PLM system, maintaining version-controlled documentation and ensuring regulatory compliance across all projects.

Supplier Liaison & Technical Review: Evaluate supplier quotations and technical capabilities, conducting drawing reviews and first article inspections to uphold quality standards.

Essential

• Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Proficient SolidWorks user — modelling, assemblies & drawings
• Experience in a design or product-development environment
• Strong GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes & DFM
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• SolidWorks PDM / Simulation experience
• Chartered or working towards IMechE CEng/IEng
• FEA analysis background (ANSYS / SolidWorks Simulation)
• Experience in precision-engineered or regulated industries
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 QMS environments
• Project management awareness (APQP / Stage-Gate)

What level of SolidWorks experience is required for this Mechanical Engineer role in Derby?

Confident, day-to-day proficiency in SolidWorks is essential — specifically in part and assembly modelling, detailed engineering drawings, and Bill of Materials management. Experience with SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management) and Simulation modules is a significant advantage. Candidates with SolidWorks CSWP certification will be viewed particularly favourably. If you can demonstrate real project examples where your SolidWorks skills directly improved a design or manufacturing outcome, highlight these clearly in your application through our contact page.

Is the salary of £35K–£42K negotiable, and what does it depend on?

The salary range is broad by design to attract candidates at different points on the experience spectrum. Entry to the £35K–£38K band is typically associated with 2–4 years of post-graduate experience in a relevant design-engineering environment. The £38K–£42K tier reflects stronger SolidWorks portfolios, sector-specific expertise (e.g. aerospace, defence, precision manufacturing), or evidence of leading design projects end-to-end. Staff Direct will guide you through salary positioning to ensure you enter negotiations well-informed and confident. For broader salary benchmarking, the IMechE Annual Salary Survey is an excellent reference.

Does Staff Direct offer other engineering roles across the UK, beyond this Derby vacancy?

Absolutely. Staff Direct maintains an active portfolio of engineering and technical vacancies spanning the UK, from manufacturing and production engineering through to CAD design, project management, quality assurance, and R&D roles. Whether you are targeting roles in the Midlands, the North of England, London, or Scotland, our consultants have direct relationships with employers in those markets. Visit our full jobs board or explore our Manufacturing staffing services to see what is currently available.

How does the Staff Direct recruitment process work for engineering candidates?

Our process is straightforward and candidate-centred. After you submit your CV, a dedicated engineering consultant will review your application and arrange a confidential call to discuss your experience, ambitions, and preferred role types. If your profile aligns with the Derby vacancy (or another suitable role), we will present your application to the client with a detailed candidate briefing — not just a forwarded CV. You will receive full interview preparation support, feedback at every stage, and honest advice on whether the role is the right fit for your long-term goals. Learn more on our Our Approach page. We also invite you to read about the value of working with a specialist recruiter via the REC.

Are there opportunities for career progression and professional development within this role?

Yes — professional growth is explicitly supported. The employer behind this vacancy has a clear engineering career pathway from Engineer through to Senior Engineer, Lead Engineer, and Design Manager levels. The company actively supports CPD (Continuing Professional Development), including funded attendance at technical training, relevant industry events, and professional body subscriptions. Engineers who aspire to IMechE Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered (CEng) status will find a supportive environment for building the competency evidence required. Derby's broader engineering ecosystem further enriches professional development opportunities beyond the immediate role.