Design Engineer

Description

Design Engineer Greater Manchester (Precision Castings & Engineering)

About our client

Our client is a UK–based, family–owned metal manufacturing specialist located in Manchester. They offer end–to–end solutions including investment casting, die casting, forging, metal injection moulding (MIM), machining, rapid prototyping, heat treatment, surface finishing, and full QA/inspection services. The company serves critical markets such as aerospace, oil & gas, medical, rail and defence, and is ISO 9001–accredited with advanced in–house CAD engineering and simulation capabilities.

Job Summary

As a Design Engineer at our client, you will play a key role in bridging customer design intent with production reality. You ll engage in CAD development, casting simulation, design for manufacture, tooling specification, and close cross–functional collaboration to support both prototype and high–volume projects.

Key Responsibilities

Create and refine CAD models and engineering drawings for metallic cast components, including design for investment casting and machining stages. Run casting simulation and analysis using in–house tools to predict defect risks, pouring systems, and tolerances. Work alongside production, prototyping, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost–effective, and meet strict industry standards (e.g., aerospace, oil & gas). Develop first–article prototypes and iteratively optimise designs based on feedback and inspection results. Generate tooling and gating layouts and liaise with internal or external toolmakers on part tooling design. Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including design specifications, ISIR reports, control plans, and tolerance analyses. Provide engineering support during production setup, inspection, heat treatment, finishing, and assembly phases. Attend client–facing meetings to understand requirements, provide technical guidance and present engineered solutions. Stay abreast of materials, casting methods (precision, die, MIM), design trends, and regulatory requirements in key sectors. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reduce scrap and improve cycle time. Essential Requirements

Bachelor s degree in Mechanical, Product, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience. Proficient in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent). Experience in casting or design for manufacturing of metallic components, ideally in investment casting or machining environments. Strong understanding of engineering tolerancing, GD&T, surface finish requirements, and inspection standards. Ability to interpret and author detailed technical drawings (2D and 3D). Good knowledge of materials used in casting: stainless steels, carbon steels, aluminium, cobalt/nickel alloys, etc. Familiarity with casting simulation or process analysis tools is a plus. Excellent communication, project coordination, and problem–solving capabilities. Strong attention to detail, planning skills, and ability to work both independently and within cross–functional teams. Desirable

Hands–on experience with rapid prototyping or 3D printing for casting applications. Knowledge of post–processes: heat treatment, finishing, machining, assembly workflows. Familiarity with regulatory specifications (e.g. defence, aerospace, medical, ATEX/Baseefa). Familiarity with ERP systems or bespoke production control tools. An interest or experience in tooling design or gating layout. What s On Offer?

Permanent, full–time role based at their Greater Manchester site. Competitive salary reflecting skills and experience. Exposure to high–value engineering projects in demanding sectors. Access to modern CAD, simulation, and prototyping facilities. Professional development opportunities. Great working environment with a collaborative, quality–focused culture.

Ad ID: 5416970650