Mechanical Engineer
MechanicalDesign & Engineering Delivery
- Support the design and development of complex mechanical systems, assemblies, and components from concept through to prototype to production readiness
- Create detailed CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings to top-tier industry standards
- Carry out engineering calculations, component sizing, tolerance assessments, and design checks to support robust design decisions
- Support FE analysis and simulation activities, where appropriate, under the guidance of senior engineers
- Contribute to prototype development, build, testing, and design iteration, working closely with suppliers and in-house build and assembly teams
- Select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes, considering performance, cost, lead time, reliability, and ease of manufacture
Project Execution& Collaboration
- Deliver mechanical design tasks and defined work packages to agreed scope, quality, budget, and schedule
- Work collaboratively with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and build/test engineers to develop integrated solutions
- Participate in design reviews, project meetings, client workshops, and technical discussions
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including BoMs, drawings, design notes, test plans, and supporting reports
- Communicate clearly with colleagues, suppliers, and clients, escalating risks or technical issues at the right time
- UKBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, AutomotiveEngineering, Product Design Engineering, or similar
- ·Approximately2–5 years of relevant industry experience following graduation
- Relevantexperience may include motorsport, aerospace, product development, advancedmanufacturing, future fuels and powertrains, medical devices, robotics, marinesystems, or other high-quality engineering environments
- Workingexperience of CAD software, preferably SolidWorks
- Experienceproducing clear, accurate 2D manufacturing drawings
- Confidentwith basic hand calculations, component sizing, tolerance considerations, andengineering first principles
- Awarenessof FEA and simulation methods, with willingness to develop further capabilityin this area
- Understandingof engineering materials, including metallic, plastic, and composite materials,and their practical application
- Familiaritywith common manufacturing processes, including machining, fabrication, additivemanufacturing, moulding, casting, and assembly methods
- Familiaritywith fundamental mechanical systems, such as fasteners, bearings, shafts,casings, mechanisms, brackets, mounts, seals, hydraulics, or pneumatics
- Hands-onengineering experience, such as prototyping, testing, assembly, workshopactivity, or build support, is desirable
- Abilityto understand project requirements, manage tasks through project managementplatforms, and work efficiently to deadlines
- Strongcommunication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectivelyboth in a team and independently
- Comfortableworking in a fast-moving consultancy environment where projects, sectors, andtechnical challenges vary
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 8% pension
- Performance bonus scheme
- Comprehensive healthcare cover (extendibleto dependants)
- 36 days’ annual leave (inclusive of Bank hols.)
- TOIL policy
- Cycle2Work scheme
Development & Growth
- Significant opportunities for professional development
- Exposure to diverse, cutting-edge projects across multiple industries
- Mentoring and support from senior engineers
Culture, Team, & Environment
- Quarterly team days
- Annual company ski holiday
- A critical role within a thriving, ambitious, and innovativeorganisation
- Work alongside a close-knit team of exceptional people who excelin their fields
- Supportive working environment in an inspiring facility situatedin the Buckinghamshire countryside
To apply, please submit the following to careers@hooperquinn.com, using ‘V2603 – Mechanical Design Engineer’ as the subject of youremail:
1. CV
2. Cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and your motivation for joining Hooper Quinn
3. Response to the Application Exercises detailed below
You are welcome to include relevant work samples/portfolio in support of your application.
IMPORTANT:
1) Applications will not be considered if any of the three required documents is missing
2) Only applications submitted to the above email address will be considered
These short exercises aredesigned to give us an insight into how you think, communicate, and approachchallenges, and equally, to give you a feel for the types of situations you mayencounter in this role. Please ensure your responsesreflect your own reasoning and experience. Submissions that appear to have beengenerated primarily by AI tools will not be considered.
Please take no more than 90 minutes tocomplete the exercises.
EXERCISE 1: Concept Design – Compact Actuation System
A client approaches Hooper Quinn with therequirement to design a compact mechanism to deploy a sensor mast from within asmall autonomous vehicle.
The mechanism must extend a sensor mastvertically from a stowed position inside the vehicle.
Requirements:
• Linear extension: 120 mm
• Maximum load: 200 N
• Deployment time: < 5 second
• Available envelope for mechanism: 250× 150 × 100 mm
• Power supply: 24V DC
The system may be subject to:
• Vibration and occasional shock loads
• Outdoor operating conditions
• Repeated actuation cycles duringtesting and operation
Task:
Please describe a concept design for theactuation system and mechanism that could achieve this. (Note: we areinterested in your thinking and reasoning rather than a complete designsolution.)
Your response should include:
1. The type of actuator youwould propose and the reasoning behind your choice
2. The mechanism used to convertactuation into linear motion
3. A conceptual layout of themechanism (a simple sketch is welcome but not required)
4. The key engineeringconsiderations that would influence your design
5. Any technical risks orpotential failure modes you would investigate early in the design process
You may make any reasonable engineeringassumptions necessary in order to answer the question.
Please limit your response to 1–2 pages.
Sketches or diagrams may be included ifhelpful.
EXERCISE 2: Working at Pace
Engineering projects at Hooper Quinn often movequickly, with tight timelines and evolving technical challenges.
Please describe a situation where you had todeliver engineering work under significant time pressure.
Include:
- The context of the project
- The actions you took to maintain quality while working quickly
- The outcome
Maximum: 250 words
EXERCISE 3: Culture & Values
In your own words, please select one of the followingvalues and 1) describe what that value means to you and how you put it intopractice in your day-to-day life; and 2) give a relevant example from yourprofessional experience where you have demonstrated that value:
- Tenacious Curiosity
- Efficient Agility
- Proactive Responsibility
Maximum: 300 words
Hooper Quinn Limited
Hillesden
Buckingham
MK18 4BY
United Kingdom
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