Design Engineer

Applications & Design EngineerLocation: UKSalary: Competitive + BenefitsThe OpportunityElevation Recruitment Group have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Applications & Design Engineer to join a growing engineering business at a pivotal stage in its development. This role offers the chance to work on technically complex, customer-specific engineered solutions across defence, critical infrastructure and heavy industry sectors. You will play a key role in developing innovative system solutions from concept through to proposal stage, acting as the technical lead on customer applications and supporting the business's continued evolution towards delivering complete engineered systems and solutions. This is an ideal opportunity for an engineer who enjoys combining technical problem-solving, customer interaction and commercial awareness to deliver high-quality solutions that make a real impact. Key ResponsibilitiesApplications Engineering & Solution Development • Develop bespoke engineered solutions in response to customer requirements. • Translate customer specifications into functional designs, system architectures and technical proposals. • Perform system sizing, selection and configuration of hydraulic, mechanical and associated systems. • Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety requirements and regulatory frameworks. Design Engineering • Produce and review engineering documentation including: • General arrangement drawings • System schematics and layouts • Bills of Materials (BOMs) • Complete engineering calculations, validation activities and design verification. • Support prototype development, testing and product optimisation. • Investigate and resolve technical challenges through structured engineering methodologies. Technical Sales & Proposal Support • Lead the technical content of quotations, tenders and proposals. • Develop solution concepts, technical narratives and supporting documentation. • Prepare cost estimates, assumptions and risk assessments. • Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews and presentations. • Ensure proposals deliver the right balance of performance, cost and delivery expectations. Customer & Stakeholder Management • Act as a key technical contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle. • Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Service teams. • Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Project Delivery Support • Support projects from concept through to commissioning and handover. • Provide technical expertise for system upgrades, retrofits and capital projects. • Assist with field issue resolution and engineering change management. • Maintain accurate technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle. Continuous Improvement • Develop and improve engineering tools, sizing calculators and design standards. • Introduce standardised configurations and best-practice engineering processes. • Drive improvements in engineering efficiency, quality and first-time-right performance. • Capture customer feedback and lessons learned to support continuous improvement initiatives. Technical Leadership • Mentor and support junior engineers. • Contribute to the development of engineering processes, standards and best practice. • Promote a collaborative, customer-focused engineering culture. About YouWe're looking for an experienced engineer who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness and excellent communication skills. Key Requirements • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience). • Proven experience within Applications Engineering, Systems Engineering or Design Engineering environments. • Strong knowledge of hydraulic, mechanical or mechatronic systems. • Experience developing engineered-to-order solutions and integrating products into larger systems. • Comfortable working directly with customers and supporting technical sales activities. • Proficient in CAD software such as SolidWorks and familiar with ERP, PLM and CRM systems. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured engineering approach. • Able to balance technical excellence with commercial and delivery considerations. What You'll Bring • Customer-focused mindset. • Strong commercial awareness. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • Ownership and accountability for delivering quality solutions. • Collaborative approach to working across multiple functions. • Passion for continuous improvement and engineering excellence. Why Apply?This is an opportunity to join a business investing in growth, innovation and engineering capability. You'll work on technically challenging projects, collaborate with industry-leading customers and play a significant role in shaping future engineering solutions while developing your own career within a supportive and forward-thinking environment. For more information, please contact Steve Barnett or Jack Heffren at Elevation Recruitment Group.