Automotive Seating) Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer Vehicle Seating Mechanisms

Location: UK (Hybrid majority WFH with occasional on-site support in South Wales)
Type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £50,000 £55,000 + relocation support

Overview

We are recruiting a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of vehicle seating structures and mechanisms, taking products from early concept through to production. This is a hands-on engineering role suited to someone who enjoys solving real mechanical problems, working closely with suppliers, and seeing designs built and tested quickly.

The role sits within an R&D-focused environment and will play a key part in expanding a growing seating product portfolio for passenger vehicle applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop seat structures and mechanisms including hinges, latches, locks, sliding and folding systems.

• Take designs from concept through prototype and into production.

• Produce 3D CAD models and 2D drawings with appropriate tolerancing and assembly detail.

• Own packaging studies and dimensional layouts within tight vehicle interior constraints.

• Support material selection and manufacturing process decisions (pressings, weldments, assemblies).

• Work closely with suppliers on design refinement, feasibility, and issue resolution.

• Support prototype builds, functional testing, durability testing, and design improvements.

• Contribute to design reviews, DFMEA activities, and engineering change management.

Required Experience & Skills

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).

• Minimum 5 years experience in mechanical design within automotive, aerospace, or similar industries.

• Proven experience working on seating systems or mechanical mechanisms (structures, kinematics, moving parts).

• Strong CATIA V5 experience (essential).

• Good understanding of manufacturing methods, tolerancing, and design for assembly.

• Practical, delivery-focused mindset with the ability to troubleshoot real-world issues.

Desirable Experience

• Automotive seating or restraint systems experience.

• Experience with pressings, weldments, and structural components.

• Exposure to prototype builds, test activity, and supplier development.

• Basic understanding of CAE for stiffness or strength.

Working Pattern & Location

• Hybrid role: majority working from home.

• Occasional on-site support required in South Wales (travel and hotel costs fully covered).

• Relocation support available for candidates wishing to move closer to site.

Why Apply

• High level of ownership from concept to build.

• Growing business with strong investment in R&D and new passenger vehicle products.

• Flexible working with funded travel and clear progression opportunities.