Mechanical Engineering Manager

Mechanical Engineering Manager Location: Bedford Employment Type: Full-Time Role Overview Lead and develop a team of mechanical engineers responsible for designing and delivering robotic automation systems, special-purpose machinery, and bespoke manufacturing solutions. The role combines technical leadership, people management, project delivery, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities * Lead, mentor, and develop the mechanical engineering team. * Set engineering standards, processes, and best practices. * Oversee the design of robotic cells, automation equipment, tooling, EOAT, fixtures, conveyors, and bespoke machinery. * Review and approve designs, drawings, calculations, and technical documentation. * Ensure designs meet customer, safety, quality, manufacturability, and compliance requirements. * Work closely with Project Management, Controls, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams. * Provide technical support throughout installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance. * Manage engineering resources, workload, priorities, and project risks. * Support technical proposals, quotations, feasibility studies, and customer design reviews. * Drive innovation, standardisation, cost reduction, and continuous improvement. * Ensure compliance with relevant machinery and safety standards, including UKCA/CE, ISO 12100, ISO 10218, ISO 13849, and EN 60204. * Support recruitment, budgeting, KPI development, and long-term engineering strategy. Requirements * Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. * 8–10+ years' mechanical engineering experience, including 3–5+ years in a leadership or management role. * Experience in robotic automation, special-purpose machinery, or manufacturing automation. * Advanced 3D CAD experience (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, CATIA, or similar). * Knowledge of pneumatics, actuators, servo systems, motion control, DFMA, FEA, and engineering calculations. * Understanding of industrial robots and machine safety requirements. * Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. Salary: £65,000–£75,000 + potential bonus, pension, car allowance, flexible working, and professional development