Engineering Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Mechanical Design Manager

Company: Marshall

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers and technologists, fostering a high-performance and collaborative environment.

• Drive process optimization and implement engineering tools to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall team performance within a matrix organization.

• Provide critical technical leadership and subject matter expertise for complex mechanical design solutions, ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives.

• Manage resources, budgets, and project timelines, contributing to strategic alignment and the long-term success of Marshall Land Systems.

• Uphold rigorous engineering standards, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting continuous improvement in design quality and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid position, requiring 50-70% on-site presence in Cambridge, UK. The "Engineering Mechanical Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like "Process Optimization," "Tool Implementation," and "Strategic Alignment," indicates a strong focus on operational efficiency within the engineering function, making it relevant to an Operations professional seeking to leverage their skills in a technical management capacity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers and technologists, providing guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

• Allocate and coordinate resources effectively within a matrix environment, ensuring integrated project teams have the necessary support to meet project demands.

• Ensure the team possesses the requisite skills and resources for current and future business needs, developing strategies for talent acquisition, training, and career growth.

• Identify and implement improvements in engineering processes and workflows to boost productivity, efficiency, and overall team performance.

• Assess, select, and integrate engineering tools and technologies that support team needs and enhance operational efficiency.

• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to integrated project teams, including reviewing and approving technical documents as required.

• Collaborate with the broader engineering functions team to align engineering capabilities with the company's mission of empowering its people through effective frameworks and a global workforce.

• Support the management of departmental budgets, providing input and monitoring expenditure against forecasts.

• Lead and participate in critical design review meetings, such as SRR, ERR, PDR, and CDR, as well as change boards.

• Ensure rigorous adherence to Mechanical Engineering standards, specifications, and best practices across all projects.

• Drive innovation to reduce project/product costs while enhancing engineering quality, productivity, and delivery timeliness.

• Maintain and manage product, build standard, drawing, and document configuration, utilizing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

• Create and update Bills of Material (BOM) structures and establish Mechanical Product Breakdown Structures (PBS) within PLM.

• Monitor project progress, budgets, and timelines using design trackers, generating regular reports on metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Ensure all design activities comply with health, safety, and environmental best practices and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of people management, process improvement, and strategic technical oversight, typical of a senior operations or engineering leadership role. The emphasis on "Process Optimization," "Tool Implementation," and "Budget Management" directly aligns with core operations functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Qualified to degree level in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering and design.

• Proven experience operating within a matrix environment, effectively allocating resources and coordinating with integrated project teams.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.

• Experience in identifying and driving improvements in engineering processes and workflows.

• Experience in assessing, selecting, and implementing engineering tools and technologies.

Required Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Expertise: Advanced understanding of mechanical system design and development, meeting performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

• CAD & Engineering Software Proficiency: Expertise in CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools (e.g., PTC Windchill) for managing product lifecycles and configuration control.

• Technical Leadership: Proven experience leading engineering teams, providing technical guidance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Process Optimization: Ability to identify bottlenecks, implement workflow enhancements, and improve engineering processes for greater efficiency and productivity.

• Risk Management & Compliance: Proficient in identifying design risks and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PEng), Chartered Engineer (CEng), Certified Technologist, or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Strong experience in implementing quality management systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO standards).

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and design optimization for manufacturability.

• Expertise in ERP software for operational management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with various stakeholders and foster cross-departmental collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are broad, allowing for diverse backgrounds with a strong emphasis on practical experience. The "10+ years" experience level suggests a senior management role, requiring deep operational and technical acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Process Improvement: Showcase examples of identifying inefficiencies in engineering workflows and implementing successful process optimizations that led to measurable improvements in delivery times, cost reduction, or quality enhancement.

• System Implementation & Management: Provide evidence of experience in selecting, implementing, or managing engineering tools and software (e.g., CAD, PLM, ERP) and how these systems supported team operations and project delivery.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Include case studies or project summaries that highlight your role in successful project execution, demonstrating your ability to manage technical aspects, resources, and timelines effectively.

• Metrics & KPI Reporting: Present examples of how you have defined, tracked, and reported on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to engineering design quality, team performance, and project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows, including methodologies used for analysis, mapping, and improvement identification.

• Tool Integration & Standardization: Illustrate your experience in integrating new tools or standardizing existing software across engineering teams, detailing the implementation process and change management strategies.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Detail your methods for measuring the effectiveness of implemented processes and tools, including the types of data collected, analysis techniques used, and how insights were leveraged for further optimization.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Provide documentation or examples of how you ensure engineering designs and processes comply with regulatory standards and internal quality assurance protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating a strong grasp of process optimization and system implementation within an engineering context is crucial. Applicants should be prepared to showcase how they've leveraged operational principles to enhance engineering team performance and project outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Engineering Mechanical Design Manager roles in Cambridge, UK, with 10+ years of experience, a typical salary range would be between £70,000 and £95,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the position, the specialized technical skills required, and the cost of living in the Cambridge region.

Benefits:

• 27 days holiday, increasing with service up to 30 days (with the option to buy/sell).

• Pension contributions up to 9%.

• Private medical insurance.

• Extensive flexible benefit program, including Cycle to Work scheme.

• Life assurance at 4x basic salary.

• Enhanced parental leave and pay.

• Paid volunteering leave.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role is described as hybrid, requiring 50-70% on-site presence in Cambridge, indicating flexibility in how the remaining hours are managed, potentially allowing for some remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available compensation data for similar roles in the UK, factoring in the specified experience level and location. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting the offerings of a large, established organization.

)[92; Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defence & Aerospace, Specialist Vehicles, Infrastructure. Marshall Land Systems operates within a highly regulated and technologically advanced sector, demanding precision, reliability, and innovation in its engineering solutions. This context implies a culture that values technical excellence, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to delivering critical systems for defence forces.

Company Size: Marshall Land Systems employs 600 people across major facilities in the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. This size suggests a company that is large enough to offer significant career development opportunities and complex projects, yet potentially agile enough to maintain a strong sense of team and operational focus.

Founded: Marshall, with origins in Cambridge, UK, has over a century of innovation. This long history points to a company with a deep-rooted engineering heritage, a culture of continuous evolution, and a stable operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role operates within the broader engineering function, likely comprising multiple specialized teams (e.g., mechanical design, electrical, systems). The explicit mention of a "matrix environment" suggests cross-functional team structures where individuals report to both functional managers (like this role) and project managers.

• Reporting Structure: The Engineering Mechanical Design Manager will lead a "small group of mechanical engineers." This individual will likely report to a more senior engineering director or head of engineering, with collaboration expected across various departments including production, quality, and integrated project teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes collaboration with integrated project teams, production, and quality departments. This indicates a strong emphasis on working across different business units to ensure seamless project delivery and problem resolution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires tracking and reporting on KPIs and using design trackers, indicating a data-driven approach to managing engineering operations and performance.

• Process Improvement Focus: A core responsibility is identifying and driving improvements in engineering processes and workflows, suggesting a culture that embraces continuous improvement methodologies.

• Tool Integration & Standardization: The assessment, selection, and integration of engineering tools highlight a strategic approach to leveraging technology for operational efficiency and enhanced capabilities.

Company Website: https://www.marshallgroup.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and involvement in critical defence sectors suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and meticulous execution. The matrix structure implies a dynamic work environment where collaboration and clear communication are paramount for operational success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level management role within the engineering operations domain. It is a leadership position responsible for a specific technical discipline (mechanical design) and a team of engineers. The scope includes strategic input on capability development, process optimization, and tool implementation, directly impacting operational efficiency and project success. It is a step beyond individual contributor or junior management roles, requiring significant experience in both technical execution and people/process management.

Reporting Structure: The role involves leading a "small group of mechanical engineers" and operating within a "matrix environment." This means the manager will have direct reports for performance management and development, while also collaborating closely with project managers and potentially other functional leads. This structure provides exposure to diverse project challenges and cross-functional dynamics, crucial for broader operational understanding. The manager likely reports to a Head of Engineering or a Director of Engineering, with potential interaction with senior leadership on strategic initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Engineering Mechanical Design Manager has a direct impact on the company's ability to deliver complex engineering solutions. By ensuring high-quality design, optimizing processes, and managing resources effectively, this role directly influences project timelines, cost-effectiveness, product reliability, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and the company's competitive edge in the defence and aerospace markets. Effective leadership and process management in this role are critical for Marshall Land Systems' operational success and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into higher-level engineering management roles, such as Head of Engineering, Director of Engineering, or specialized technical leadership positions overseeing larger departments or multiple disciplines.

• Strategic Operations Roles: Opportunity to transition into broader operational leadership roles within the company, focusing on areas like project management office (PMO) leadership, supply chain optimization, or manufacturing operations, leveraging a deep understanding of engineering processes.

• Specialized Technical Expertise: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge mechanical design, advanced materials, or specific defence technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert and potentially leading R&D initiatives or specialized technical consulting.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Gain experience and visibility across different business units or geographies (UK, Canada, Netherlands), opening doors for international assignments or roles in related areas like business development or program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within engineering management and provides a solid foundation for transitioning into broader operational leadership roles due to its focus on process, resources, and team management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as hybrid, with a requirement for 50-70% on-site presence in Cambridge, UK. This suggests a blend of office-based work and remote flexibility. The office environment is likely to be professional, with dedicated spaces for engineering teams, meeting rooms, and potentially labs or workshops for hands-on work.

Office Location(s): The primary on-site location is Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. This location is a hub for innovation and technology, offering a professional setting for engineering operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The requirement for on-site presence facilitates direct collaboration with team members, production staff, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment essential for problem-solving and innovation.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The role involves the use of advanced engineering tools, including CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor) and PLM systems (e.g., PTC Windchill), indicating access to modern technology necessary for efficient design and project management.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model likely balances focused individual work with opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, and spontaneous problem-solving sessions, promoting a well-rounded and productive operational workflow.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are implied.

• The hybrid nature of the role offers some flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their work schedules and locations within the specified on-site requirements, which is beneficial for balancing project demands with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, offering a balance between structured office collaboration and remote flexibility, which is attractive for operations professionals seeking efficiency and work-life integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, focusing on qualifications, experience in mechanical design, team leadership, and familiarity with CAD/PLM tools.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about your mechanical engineering expertise, process optimization strategies, and experience managing engineering teams. Expect questions related to design challenges, problem-solving methodologies, and your approach to quality assurance and compliance.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team management capabilities, experience in a matrix environment, and strategic thinking regarding process improvement and tool implementation.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of your portfolio, highlighting specific projects, process improvements you've led, and how you've utilized engineering tools to achieve business objectives. Be prepared to discuss metrics and ROI.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process Improvement: Clearly articulate a problem, your proposed solution (process change, tool implementation), the steps you took, and the measurable impact (e.g., time saved, cost reduced, quality improved). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate how you've effectively used CAD (e.g., Autodesk Inventor) and PLM (e.g., PTC Windchill) for design, configuration management, and workflow control. Quantify the benefits derived from your tool usage.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate your accomplishments. For instance, "Reduced design iteration time by 15%" or "Improved team productivity by 10% through new workflow implementation."

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored engineers, resolved team conflicts, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Tailor to Marshall: Research Marshall Land Systems' projects and values. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills and experience align with their specific needs and industry (defence, aerospace).

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical engineering process challenge and asked to outline your approach to analyzing and improving it. Focus on structured problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

• Team Management Simulation: Be ready for situational questions about managing difficult team members, resolving inter-departmental conflicts, or motivating a team under pressure.

• Technical Design Discussion: Prepare to discuss complex mechanical designs you've worked on, the challenges faced, and the technical solutions implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, particularly one that demonstrates tangible improvements achieved through process optimization and effective use of engineering technologies. Applicants should prepare to articulate their impact using data and specific examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is essential. Autodesk Inventor is specifically mentioned, indicating its prominence. Experience with other leading CAD platforms may also be beneficial.

• PLM Systems: Expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools is required for managing product data, configurations, and engineering changes. PTC Windchill is explicitly listed, highlighting its importance.

• ERP Software: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is listed as a desirable skill, crucial for integrating engineering operations with broader business functions like procurement, production, and finance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Trackers: The role involves using design trackers to monitor project progress, budgets, and timelines, implying the need for proficiency in project management tools and reporting mechanisms.

• KPI Reporting: The responsibility to track and report on KPIs necessitates familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools to present key metrics related to design quality, project delivery, and team performance.

• Business Intelligence Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with BI tools for data visualization and dashboard creation could be advantageous for presenting performance metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Configuration Management Tools: Direct experience with PLM systems like PTC Windchill for managing product configurations and engineering change notifications is a core requirement.

• Workflow Automation: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on process optimization and efficiency suggests that an understanding of workflow automation principles or tools within an engineering context would be beneficial.

• PLM Integration: Experience in integrating PLM systems with other enterprise software (like ERP) would be a strong asset for seamless data flow and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Autodesk Inventor and PTC Windchill indicates these are key tools for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these systems and how they've leveraged them for operational efficiency and design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Quality: A deep commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable engineering solutions that meet stringent defence and aerospace standards. This involves meticulous attention to detail, rigorous testing, and adherence to best practices.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages challenging conventional methods, seeking novel solutions, and continuously refining processes, tools, and designs to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve performance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively within a matrix structure, fostering open communication, and collaborating across departments (engineering, production, quality) to achieve shared objectives and resolve issues efficiently.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, project timelines, and team performance, with a focus on delivering results and meeting business objectives.

• Health, Safety & Compliance: A paramount commitment to ensuring all engineering activities and designs adhere to the highest health, safety, and environmental regulations and industry compliance standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands active collaboration with integrated project teams, production, and quality departments. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving, and ensuring alignment between design intent and manufacturing reality.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback loops, where design reviews are thorough, and team members are empowered to contribute ideas for process and design improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where engineers share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned, supporting the growth of the entire team and enhancing collective problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely reflect the demanding nature of the defence industry, prioritizing reliability, precision, and collaborative problem-solving to deliver mission-critical solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a Matrix Environment: Effectively leading and motivating a team when individuals may have competing priorities from project managers. This requires strong negotiation, communication, and influence skills.

• Balancing Innovation with Compliance: Driving innovation while strictly adhering to rigorous regulatory and company-specific processes and standards in the defence sector.

• Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Optimizing the allocation of limited engineering resources across multiple projects with varying demands and deadlines.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously updating engineering tools, processes, and team skills to match rapid advancements in mechanical design and manufacturing technologies.

• Cross-departmental Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between design engineering, production, procurement, and quality assurance to avoid delays and ensure manufacturability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of mechanical engineering, advanced materials, simulation (FEA/CFD), or specific defence systems.

• Leadership & Management Development: Access to training programs focused on enhancing leadership skills, strategic planning, financial management, and operational excellence.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering certifications (PEng, CEng) or specialized accreditations.

• Exposure to Complex Projects: Working on high-profile, technically challenging projects for defence forces worldwide provides invaluable experience and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior engineering leaders within Marshall Group, offering guidance on career progression and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex operational and technical challenges within a critical industry, supported by a company that values continuous learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Optimization: "Describe a time you identified a significant inefficiency in an engineering design process. What steps did you take to address it, and what were the measurable outcomes?" (Focus on structured problem-solving, data analysis, and impact.)

• Team Leadership & Matrix Management: "How do you motivate and manage engineers who report to you functionally but also have project-specific reporting lines? Provide an example of how you've successfully navigated conflicting priorities." (Highlight communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.)

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex mechanical design challenge you faced. What was your approach to problem-solving, what tools did you use, and what was the final solution?" (Be ready to discuss technical details, design trade-offs, and lessons learned.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "How do your personal values and professional approach align with Marshall's emphasis on technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration?" (Research company values and provide specific examples of how you embody them.)

• Operational Impact: "How do you measure the success of your engineering team and the processes you implement? What KPIs do you typically track?" (Focus on data-driven performance management and operational metrics.)

• Adaptability: "How do you stay current with evolving engineering technologies and methodologies, and how do you ensure your team does the same?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or demonstrated skill. For each example, clearly state the challenge, your role and actions, the tools/processes used, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize how your work improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced quality, or streamlined processes. Use terms like "workflow optimization," "process standardization," "tool implementation," and "metrics tracking."

• Technical Depth & Business Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects while also articulating their business impact and ROI.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, use visuals (diagrams, screenshots of CAD/PLM) to illustrate your work. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices and process decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare concrete examples that demonstrate their ability to manage teams, optimize processes, and leverage technology effectively, always linking their actions to measurable business outcomes and operational improvements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Mechanical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://marshall.wd103.myworkdayjobs.com/Marshall_Group/job/Cambridge-UK/Engineering-Mechanical-Design-Manager_JR105309

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to mechanical design leadership, team management, process optimization, and proficiency with CAD/PLM tools (specifically Autodesk Inventor and PTC Windchill). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to lead engineering teams, implement process improvements, and manage technical deliverables. Ensure each example clearly outlines the problem, your solution, and the measurable results.

• Prepare for Technical & Process Questions: Review common interview questions related to mechanical design principles, problem-solving methodologies, and process improvement strategies. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing a team in a matrix environment.

• Research Marshall Land Systems: Understand their core business, key projects, and company values. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their operational needs and strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.