Hays
Senior R&D Design Engineer

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Your new company
Are you ready to take the next step in your engineering or manufacturing career? Hays is proud to be partnering with a rapidly expanding, forward-thinking organisation operating at the cutting edge of industrial technology. Due to continued growth and multiple new product initiatives, this company is seeking talented professionals who want to make a real impact and to join their team as a Senior R&D Design Engineer!
About the Role
As Senior R&D Design Engineer, you will lead the design and development of new and existing products from concept through to production. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will drive engineering solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading R&D design projects from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final release
- Developing innovative mechanical and structural solutions using advanced 3D CAD
- Conducting detailed engineering analysis, calculations, and design validation
- Collaborating with manufacturing, quality, and service teams to ensure robust product delivery
- Managing design reviews, documentation, and engineering change processes
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the product range
- Providing technical leadership and mentoring junior engineers
- Liaising with suppliers and customers to refine specifications and resolve technical challenges
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Significant experience in R&D, product development, or heavy equipment design
- Strong 3D CAD capability (SolidWorks or similar)
- Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical reporting skills
- A proactive, innovative mindset with a passion for engineering excellence


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Benefits
- Competitive salary reflective of seniority
- Opportunity to influence next-generation product development
- A supportive, forward-thinking engineering environment
- Clear progression pathways within a growing organisation
- Long-term career stability in a thriving sector
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk.
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