Mechanical Design Engineer

Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils)

Permanent

Location: Dartford

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Design Engineer (Mechanical & Civils) to support projects within the water utilities and construction sectors across North East London.

This is a permanent PAYE role offering long-term career progression within a stable and growing engineering environment.

Whats on Offer

Salary:

Permanent PAYE role

Laptop & mobile phone

Company pension

Life insurance (up to 4x salary)

33 days holiday (increasing with service)

Mental health & wellbeing support

Enhanced paternity & maternity leave

Clear career progression pathway

Supportive and flexible working environment

Role Overview

As a Design Engineer you will be responsible for delivering practical buildable design solutions from concept through to fabrication and installation.

This role requires a strong understanding of fabrication detailing steelwork design and constructability ensuring that all designs are not only technically correct but also feasible to manufacture transport and install on-site.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and interpret P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams) to support plant and system layouts

Produce 2D and 3D CAD designs (AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT or similar) for fabrication and construction

Create detailed fabrication drawings including assemblies sections and material specifications

Design structural and mechanical components such as:

o Walkways platforms staircases and handrails

o Pipe supports frames and steel structures

Ensure designs consider manufacturability including:

o Cutting methods and material usage

o Welded vs single-piece fabrication

o Bolting fixings gaskets and ancillary components

Assess transport and installation constraints breaking designs into modular sections where required and defining assembly methodology

Select appropriate materials (e.g. mild steel galvanised steel stainless steel aluminium) based on environment and application

Collaborate with project managers site teams and clients to resolve design challenges

Produce material take-offs (MTOs) and supporting documentation

Carry out design checks to ensure compliance with:

o British Standards

o Eurocodes

o Client/asset-specific standards

Continuously improve design efficiency quality and standardisation

Requirements

Proven experience in a design engineering role within construction water or heavy industry

Strong proficiency in AutoCAD (2D/3D) or similar CAD tools

Experience producing fabrication-ready drawings (not just concept design)

Solid understanding of:

o Steelwork (beams columns connections)

o Fabrication processes and constraints

o Material selection for different environments

Familiarity with P&IDs and plant layouts

Knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes (or ability to apply them in design work)

Ability to design with practical installation and assembly in mind

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Good communication and ability to justify design decisions