Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design EngineerLocation: Blackburn, Lancashire Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Office based - 1pm finish every FridayA growing engineering business based in Blackburn is looking to appoint a Lead Design Engineer into a newly created position.This is not a replacement hire. The Lead Design Engineer role has been created due to increased workload, a strong order book, and continued business growth.With the Engineering Director currently overseeing both strategic engineering direction and day-to-day design activity, there is now a need for an experienced design professional to take ownership of project delivery, support the design team, and help ensure engineering projects are completed efficiently, accurately, and on time.This position sits between the Engineering Director and the Design Team, giving the successful Lead Design Engineer the opportunity to remain technically hands-on while also taking a key role in coordinating and guiding design activity across live projects.The RoleThis is a hands-on design leadership role. You will still be involved in technical design work, but you will also act as the main point of support for the Design Team on live engineering projects.As Lead Design Engineer, you will help ensure design work is delivered to specification, within scope, and in line with project timescales.Key responsibilities will include:Leading and coordinating design activity across multiple engineering projectsSupporting, guiding, and mentoring Design Engineers on technical deliveryActing as the link between the Engineering Director and the Design TeamReviewing design work and helping maintain engineering standardsEnsuring designs are completed accurately, on time, and to specificationSupporting project delivery from concept through to manufactureHelping improve design processes, workflows, and internal engineering standardsRemaining hands-on with mechanical design work when requiredWorking closely with internal departments to ensure practical, manufacturable design solutionsWhat Were Looking ForThis role would suit someone with a strong background in capital equipment, special purpose machinery, fabricated equipment, automated machinery, process equipment, or bespoke engineered systems.You may currently be working as a Senior Design Engineer, Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, Principal Design Engineer, Design Team Leader, Mechanical Design Lead, Project Design Engineer, or Mechanical Design Engineer read to take a step up.The ideal candidate will have:Experience in a senior, lead, or project-focused mechanical design roleA background in capital equipment, machinery design, automation, or special purpose machineryStrong mechanical design and practical engineering knowledgeThe ability to balance hands-on design work with team coordinationExperience supporting or guiding other Design EngineersA good understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufactureThe ability to work in a fast-paced, project-led engineering environmentStrong communication skills and the confidence to act as a technical point of contactWhy This Lead Design Engineer Role Stands OutThis is a newly created position with genuine scope to make an impact.You will not be stepping into an existing role with fixed ways of working. Instead, you will have the opportunity to help shape how design projects are delivered, how the design team is supported, and how engineering standards continue to develop as the business grows.Benefits and reasons to apply include:Salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum25 days holiday plus bank holidaysEarly finish at 1pm every FridayNewly created positionClear opportunity to influence design project deliveryStrong order book and long-term project pipelineReal progression potential as the business continues to growHands-on technical design role with added leadership responsibilityStable, growing engineering businessLocation and CommuteThis office-based role is located in Blackburn and is commutable from surrounding areas including Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Clitheroe, Nelson, Rossendale, Bolton, Bury, Wigan, Ribble Valley, and parts of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.Interested?If you are looking to step into a leadership role, or you are already operating as a Lead Design Engineer and want more influence over project delivery, this could be a strong next step.Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.TPBN1_UKTJ