Mechanical Design Engineer

Company Overview

Sui Generis International Ltd is one of the UK's leading manufacturers and installers of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) safety solutions, structural systems, and spill containment products. Operating across industrial, infrastructure, marine, rail, and construction sectors, we provide engineered, tailored composite solutions and linings that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

As a member of the Milbank Group, we benefit from a value-driven, collaborative environment focused on innovation, sustainability, and quality. We are committed to helping our customers meet their access, safety, and containment challenges with smart, reliable solutions.

Job Description:

Position: Mechanical Design Engineer

Reporting to: Sales Director

Department: Sales/Technical

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £38,000 - £48,000 per annum - Based on experience.

Location: Office based (Colchester, CO2 8JF).

Hours: 40 hours per week, 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with strong SolidWorks experience to join our growing design and engineering team in Colchester. This is an exciting opportunity to work on innovative GRP and composite structures, supporting projects from concept through to manufacture and installation.

The successful candidate will be able to produce designs from written and verbal specifications. You will be capable of using SolidWorks and will have a good understanding of references, configurations and be capable of producing robust 3D CAD models. You will be required to produce concise, accurate 2D drawings, to be used for manufacturing, in conjunction with design documentation. Your outputs will be practical, compliant, and aligned with performance and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Drafting

• Create 3D CAD models and detailed 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Develop design concepts, assemblies, and component models in line with client and project requirements.
• Produce layout, fabrication, and installation drawings to support project delivery.
• Maintain drawing control, revision management, and documentation in accordance with company procedures.

Engineering & Technical Support

• Apply sound engineering principles to optimise design and ensure manufacturability.
• Work closely with production and installation teams to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Interpret client specifications and technical requirements accurately.
• Contribute to design reviews and product development initiatives.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Liaise with project managers, estimators, and production teams to ensure designs meet cost, quality, and time objectives.
• Support on-site teams with technical drawings and clarifications as required.
• Assist with material selection and component standardisation.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal quality procedures.
• Support product testing and validation activities as required.
• Maintain accurate and traceable design records for quality assurance and auditing.

Required Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modelling, assemblies, and detailed drawings).
• Experience of producing drawings for fabrication, assembly, and installation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality design documentation.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Good understanding of materials and manufacturing processes (preferably GRP, composites, or similar).

Desirable:

• Knowledge of GRP / FRP or other composite materials.
• Familiarity with engineering and manufacturing standards (BS, EN, ISO).
• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical or Design Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Why Join Sui Generis?

• Be part of a skilled design team shaping innovative GRP and composite solutions.
• Work on technically challenging, bespoke projects across multiple sectors.
• Join a collaborative, safety-first, and quality-driven culture.
• Competitive salary and company bonus scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Milbank Group.

What you get from us

Looking after yourself

• Time away from work to recharge your batteries is important for you to be at your best, to enable this we offer Healthshield private healthcare and generous paid time off.

Social events

• Whether it is charity football, team BBQ, quiz nights or just a night out for a pizza. We value the importance of developing relationships outside work.

Annual Bonus Structure

• Together we win, we all work to make this better in all areas and when we're winning, you're winning.

Professional Development

• Our focus is to ensure our people can grow and develop internally and we have learning and development initiatives in place to support you to build the skills you need for progression opportunities.

Equal Opportunities

As an applicant, you can be assured that the Milbank Group will take positive steps to ensure:

Job descriptions and associated conditions relate to the particular job, define the qualifications, experience and other skills required in the post, and only include those factors which are necessary and justifiable in terms of objective criteria for the satisfactory performance of the job.

All applicants are treated equally and fairly throughout the recruitment and selection process.

All decisions are made in line with Milbank's equal opportunities and recruitment and selection decisions, are made on merit - in line with the job and skills requirements set for the vacancy.

And when you become employed, we aim to ensure:

A fair, transparent and equal chance in learning and development and terms and conditions of service.

A working environment that is free from discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation.

A working environment where a person's identity and culture is valued and respected.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a part of the Milbank Group, Sui Generis recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. As a Gold Award holder of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are proactive in guaranteeing an interview for suitably qualified or interested ex service personnel and dependants.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £38,000.00-£48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension

Work Location: In person