Mechanical Design Engineer / Project Manager

DESIGN ENGINEER / TECHNICAL PROJECT LEAD Exeter | £40,000 - £60,000 DOE | Permanent We're working with a fast-growing advanced manufacturing business in Exeter that develops robotic large-format 3D printing systems for defence, aerospace, and marine sectors. They're looking for a Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead to own technical project delivery end-to-end — from developing customer designs through to finished product — acting as the technical authority on every project you touch. The role involves: * Taking customer designs from concept through to delivery, advising on manufacturability, material selection, and build orientation * Applying mould tooling principles to optimise designs for downstream processes * Leading a small technician team on day-to-day production * Acting as the primary technical contact for customers throughout project delivery * Supporting sales with feasibility assessments and accurate quoting * Reporting directly to the CTO with genuine autonomy The ideal candidate will have: * A background in mould tool design, pattern making, or tooling applications * Strong CAD skills — Fusion 360 or equivalent * Proven experience managing projects and delivering to deadlines * Confidence working directly with customers in a technical capacity * Composites, CNC/CAM, or additive manufacturing experience is a bonus This is a brilliant opportunity for a tooling or manufacturing engineer who wants to step into a senior, customer-facing role at a genuinely innovative company doing work very few businesses in the UK are doing. Interested? Apply with your CV and we'll be in touch