Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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 Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful