Design Engineering Lead

Bowers Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Bradford is seeking a Design Engineering Lead to manage a design team and drive the creation of precision-engineered products. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, extensive 3D CAD expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing standards. This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative projects and significantly impact the product development process.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing and hands-on 3D CAD design.
• Knowledge of GD&T, BS8888, and ISO9000 standards.
• Competency in FEA, 3D rendering, and design-for-manufacture principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a small design team.
• Drive the design and improvement of precision-engineered products.
• Support application gauging designs and ensure on-target delivery.

Skills

3D CAD expertise

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Inventor

SAP

Job description

Lead the design of innovative products from concept to production…

Bowers Metrology are looking for a Design Engineering Lead to manage and develop a small design team, driving the design and improvement of precision-engineered products from concept through to manufacture. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall output and performance of the design function, supporting the creation of new products, enhancements to existing ones, and providing engineering support throughout all phases of product development and production.

As Design Engineering Lead, you’ll lead projects from initial idea through to production, producing practical design solutions that balance performance, manufacturability, and cost. You’ll apply your 3D CAD expertise (Inventor preferred) to create detailed and accurate designs, supporting prototype builds and testing to evaluate performance and ease of assembly. The role also includes designing test equipment, packaging, and production fixtures to aid manufacturing and product functionality, while ensuring all documentation, drawings, and ISO records remain compliant and up to date.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across engineering, production, and sales, as well as with suppliers and customers, to deliver high-quality, manufacturable designs that meet specification and budget. A key aspect of the role is supporting application gauging designs and ensuring on-target delivery and profit margins for customer projects.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with experience in manufacturing and hands‑on 3D CAD design experience. You’ll have a sound knowledge of GD&T, BS8888, and ISO9000 standards, and be fully competent in FEA, 3D rendering, and design‑for‑manufacture principles. Experience with DFMEA and rapid prototyping is important, along with strong project management and communication skills. Prince2 knowledge and SAP experience are advantageous but not essential.

At Bowers Group, we’re a trusted engineering brand with global reach, yet agile enough for your ideas to make a real difference. The role gives you the freedom to lead, innovate, and improve, supported by a team that values quality, curiosity, and getting things done right. If you’re passionate about engineering excellence, this is your opportunity to see your designs come to life.

If this sounds like the right role for you, please email your CV along with a brief note to [e-mail] , explaining why you believe this role is a good fit for you, including your salary expectations.

Please note that you must have the Right to Work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Interested or want to find out more?

Please contact Spear & Jackson Careers, sending your CV and covering letter to: