Gemma Harfield

Astute’s Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading UK heavy engineering contractor to recruit a Senior Design Engineer to join their growing design function in Barnsley.

As a Senior Design Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of complex mechanical handling and rotary machinery projects, taking ownership from concept through to commissioning across a range of heavy industrial sectors.

If you are an experienced Senior Design Engineer with a background in heavy engineering and are looking to join a technically strong and collaborative environment where you can see your designs delivered into real-world applications, then submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties

• Lead the design and development of heavy mechanical engineering projects from concept through to manufacture, installation, and commissioning • Produce conceptual designs supported by calculations, engineering analysis, and technical justification • Develop detailed manufacturing drawings, design documentation, and project deliverables including O&M manuals and FAT/SAT procedures • Liaise closely with internal engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers throughout the project lifecycle • Manage multiple concurrent design projects, ensuring delivery to cost, quality, and programme requirements • Support technical input into project specifications and tender-stage engineering solutions • Maintain focus on critical path activities to ensure successful project delivery

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• Experience in heavy engineering design, ideally within mechanical handling, machinery build, or rotary equipment environments • Proven ability to take projects from initial design through to final commissioning • Experience across sectors such as cranes, bridges, steelworks, oil & gas handling systems, quarrying, heavy plant, nuclear waste handling, conveyors, or crushing equipment • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or HNC as a minimum • Proficiency in SolidWorks or Inventor • Working knowledge of Mathcad • Understanding of Finite Element Analysis (desirable)

Salary and benefits of the Senior Design Engineer role

• Salary up to £55,000, dependent on experience • Opportunity to work on landmark heavy engineering and infrastructure projects • Ongoing training and development opportunities