Mechanical Design Engineer

Permanent - Northampton

Area of Accountability:
To prepare and issue designs, drawings, specifications and parts lists to lead new product development and production programmes

Major Responsibilities:
•Create and maintain part, assembly, and general arrangement drawings using Computer Aided Design (CAD)
•Carry out feasibility studies, installation checks, reviews and calculations for each design (own and other Engineers), including installation checks at the customer.
•Carry out Finite Element Analysis (FEA) studies on structures(components & assemblies) for stiffness, strength and life using Ansys Workbench, analyse  FEA results to optimise designs
•Define and maintain timing plans for engineering phases of the projects
•To help develop and manage program development budgets (including: Tooling, Prototypes, Testing Costs, Field Test Units, Homologation Units and Completing CER’s)
•To be actively involved in the technical interface with our customers on a regular basis. 
•To ensure all technical issues are resolved with suppliers and customers
•To initiate DFMEAs at the initial design concept stage, carry out reviews and updates during the product development phases as well as production supply to capture field performance issues
•To lead the Design Review, Design for Manufacture / Assembly processes and product risk assessments
•Define part numbers and assembly structures for input into Bills of Materials (BoM’s)
•Select, evaluate, and apply proprietary components for assemblies and systems
•Work jointly with Test function in defining, updating and completing  Analytical & Physical design validation plans.
•Support warranty function with evaluation of failures, carrying out root cause analysis towards resolution and ensure no known problems are carried over into new designs
•Create and complete Product Change Requests (PCR’s) and Engineering Change Notes (ECN’s)
•Liaise with internal departments and customers on all technical issues
•Assist in initiating and maintaining relationships with external suppliers
•Assist the Chief Engineer in mentoring and supporting junior engineers in their technical development

Performance Measures:
•Timely and accurate completion of engineering development projects
•Ability to interpret customer needs, define specifications and provide information within set deadlines
•Timely completion of all engineering project documentation to address the requirements of TS16949 quality certification

Qualifications and Experience:
•BEng Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
•A good knowledge of castings, machining, GT&D, fabrications and welding.
•Strong CAD and FEA skills (preferably Siemens NX, Teamcenter and Ansys) and ability to carry out complex engineering calculations
•Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
•Ability to work within a project management environment
•Knowledge of Automotive & Commercial Vehicle market.
•Commitment to continuous improvement and development

Personal Attributes:
•The ability to properly organise and prioritize projects
•Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
•To be able to demonstrate the highest standards of customer service
•The ability to explain technical issues in a clear manner to a variety of audiences.
•Self Confidence
•To be self-motivated
•Initiative / problem solving skills
•To have good people skills and be able to develop good working relationships between all departments, customers, suppliers etc.
•Attention to detail – accuracy and precision
•Methodical and analytical

CV's to jonathanw@gahl.co.uk