Overview

Graduate Product Design Engineer (SolidWorks / R&D)

£26,000 - £35,000 • Permanent • Swadlincote • Hybrid after probation

Graduate Product Design Engineer seeking real R&D ownership and fast progression?

Rare opportunity to sit in a brand new role developing and designing building products for the construction sector. You'll be mentored by the Group Development Director and move beyond drafting into innovation, testing and margin-aware design.

Why this role

• Direct mentorship from the Group Development Director.
• Tailored training plan; structured technical coaching.
• Hybrid working after probation.
• Clear routes into senior R&D, design leadership or commercial/sales.
• 33 days\' holiday (increasing with service), Westfield Health Cash Plan.
• Enhanced family leave, life assurance, staff discounts, spot rewards.

What you'll do

• Use SolidWorks to develop concepts, assemblies and detailed drawings for new construction products.
• Support prototyping, testing and sustainability-focused improvements.
• Analyse performance, manufacturability, pricing and margin with manufacturing and finance.
• Explore new markets and applications; prepare concise technical documentation.
• Present ideas in innovation reviews with the Group Development Director.

What you'll need

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design or similar.
• SolidWorks proficiency (essential).
• Curious, entrepreneurial mindset; want more than drafting.
• Clear communicator who enjoys cross-functional collaboration.

Progression

As a Graduate Product Design Engineer (SolidWorks), you'll rotate through real R&D activities—concepts, testing and commercial analysis. The new team structure and growth plans create fast pathways into senior R&D, leadership or a commercial/sales track if that's your strength.