R&D Engineer - Mechanical Design

About the role

Sunningdale Tech Ltd is seeking an R&D Engineer to lead mechanical design and development of precision plastic products, from concept through to production launch. The role will involve creating 3‑D models, engineering drawings and ensuring manufacturability across multiple global sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of new products, generating 3‑D models, assemblies, drawings and renderings using Creo or SolidWorks.
• Translate customer requirements into innovative, manufacturable solutions and perform tolerance analysis, GD&T application and engineering evaluations.
• Apply DFM, DFA and material‑selection principles to optimise performance, cost and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality and project‑management teams throughout the product development lifecycle, supporting prototype builds, pilot runs and NPI.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to resolve technical issues, support tooling readiness and conduct root‑cause analysis for design improvements.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, specifications, ECOs and test reports, ensuring compliance with standards and project timelines.

Required profile

• Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of experience in product development, mechanical design or R&D engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, independent work style.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Creo or SolidWorks for 3‑D modelling and engineering drawings.
• Good knowledge of tolerance analysis, tolerance stack‑up and GD&T.
• Experience with DFM, DFA and material‑selection methodologies.
• Familiarity with plastic injection moulding, sheet‑metal fabrication, machining and product assembly processes.
• Industrial design sketching and product‑rendering capabilities.
• Basic understanding of FEA and risk assessment methods (preferred).