Mechanical Design Engineer

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

HR Wallingford’s Equipment, Technology and Innovation Group is a small to medium, high expertise  team who develop and supply a comprehensive range of physical modelling technology for hydraulic, marine and coastal research facilities. With more than 70 years’ experience on our own modelling projects, our designs have been rigorously proven in use. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our technology and expertise with other model users, and are proud to have supplied equipment to more than 300 institutions worldwide

Examples of the equipment we deliver includes wave generation systems, absorbing beaches, tidal generators, towing carriages, instrument positioning systems, force measuring equipment, dynamometers, and remote platforms.

Alongside delivering word class engineering solutions to our clients, you will be helping us develop and capitalise new, innovative technologies to enhance our product portfolio and continue the organisation’s growth in strategic markets. Based in either our Wallingford or Manchester office, this role also offers opportunities for international travel and ongoing professional development.

About the role

In this full life cycle role, you’ll be hands-on with engineering design, analysis, and calculations that underpin our  solutions. You’ll contribute to design reviews, offering ideas to enhance functionality, reliability, and manufacturability, and you’ll work closely with electrical and software engineers, as well as project managers, to ensure smooth and successful project delivery.

Your responsibilities will include developing 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, producing technical reports and specifications, and supporting the development of new technologies through planning, testing, and verification.

Whether you're refining your skills or looking to grow into a more senior role, we offer a supportive environment, full training on our specialist systems, and opportunities to travel internationally.

About you

We welcome applicants with a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, and we also value hands-on experience—so if you have an HND or equivalent and a strong track record in mechanical design, we’d love to hear from you. Experience with 3D CAD software such as Creo or SolidWorks is essential, along with a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, GD&T, BS8888, and design for manufacture. Familiarity with electric motors, rotating machinery, actuation systems, and designing for challenging environments (such as maritime or coastal) would be a real advantage.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, takes initiative, and thrives in a supportive, team-oriented environment. You’ll need a practical, hands-on approach and the flexibility to work across multiple projects. Strong communication skills are key, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues from different disciplines and occasionally with clients around the world.

Further information

• Download a full job description and person specification.
• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
• Salary from £36,000 to £50,000 dependant on experience
• The closing date for applications is 5 September 2025

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.