Mechanical Engineer

Role: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (contract)
Duration: 3-6 months (client flexible)
Location: Hybrid (onsite prototype sessions expected)
Start: ASAP preferred
Software: SolidWorks required (contractor must supply own licence/seat and PC)
Overview:
We're recruiting a seasoned mechanical design contractor to develop and validate a folding mechanism for a new trolley. The project will use an existing design concept that needs detailed mechanical interrogation, refinement and production-ready documentation. The successful contractor will own the SolidWorks modelling work, support prototype assembly/testing, and hand over manufacturable drawings and BOMs.
Day-to-day / deliverables:

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  Review and interrogate the existing concept for kinematics, loads and failure modes.
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  Develop full SolidWorks models and detailed drawings (GD&T applied).
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  Produce tolerance stack-ups and tolerance analysis to ensure mechanism function.
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  Provide DFMA recommendations and material selection advice.
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  Create test plans, assemble prototypes, carry out hands-on testing and lead iteration cycles.
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  Produce final production drawings, BOM and a short validation/test report.
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  Liaise with client engineers and suppliers where required.

Must-have skills / experience:

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  Proven experience with mechanisms, mechanical linkages and scotch yoke style kinematics.
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  Senior mechanical design background - typically 5+ years (or equivalent demonstrated experience).
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  Advanced SolidWorks capability (surface & solid modelling, large assemblies, configurations). Must have own SolidWorks licence/seat and a capable machine.
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  Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
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  Structural engineering fundamentals: ability to interpret/perform basic FEA checks, understand stresses, fatigue and safety factors.
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  Practical prototyping experience - hands-on with assembly, jigging, test rigs and iteration.
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  Good workshop awareness and familiarity with common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, weldments).
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  Clear communicator; able to deliver concise design documentation and test summaries.

Desirable:

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  Experience producing BOMs and liaising with suppliers.
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  Prior work on folding/telescoping mechanisms, trolleys or compacting/folding furniture/transport systems.
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  Experience with SolidWorks Simulation (advantage, not essential).

Equipment expectation (contractor must supply):

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  Own SolidWorks seat / licence.
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  Own laptop/PC capable of handling large assemblies (recommended: modern multi-core CPU, 32GB+ RAM, SSD, CAD GPU). Brief spec in reply is fine