Design Engineer

Reporting to the Engineering Design Manager, the Design Engineer will join ULEMCo’s design team, supporting both commercial vehicle conversion programmes and research and development activities. The company has experienced growth driven by increasing demand for Net Zero solutions, particularly within heavy-duty road transport, and the role its hydrogen dual-fuel technology plays in enabling this transition. The role involves delivering high-quality, production-ready design solutions, ensuring project outputs are completed on schedule and in line with industry standards.

In addition to core mechanical design responsibilities, the position includes exposure to electrical system integration and early-stage product development, including support for the design, prototyping, and validation of hydrogen fuel systems. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical competence, the ability to work independently on assigned tasks, and a proactive approach to driving work through to completion. The role is based at ULEMCo’s facility in Liverpool, with occasional travel to customer sites within the UK and internationally Role Description Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the hydrogen industry, applying this knowledge across research, design, and development activities.

Contribute to the specification and design of hydrogen dual-fuel and hydrogen fuel cell systems for a range of commercial vehicle applications, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards. Produce detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, ensuring designs align with cost targets and Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles. Support the integration of electrical systems, including component packaging, routing considerations, and mechanical-electrical interfaces.

Assist in prototype build, development, and validation activities, working closely with development engineers and workshop technicians. Contribute to testing and iterative design improvements, supporting the transition from concept through to production-ready solutions. Maintain compliance with relevant health and safety and engineering standards.

Ensure high-quality design through material selection, surface treatments, and fatigue considerations. Create and maintain accurate BOMs within the company’s MRP system in a timely manner. Support supplier selection activities and maintain effective working relationships with external partners.

Collaborate across departments to ensure effective communication and smooth project delivery. Apply product lifecycle perspective, from concept development to production and in-service support. Maintain awareness of emerging design tools, technologies, and industry best practices.

Apply practical workshop knowledge to support assembly, commissioning, and development activities. FUNCTIONAL SKILL Apply creative and practical engineering solutions to a range of design challenges, ensuring timely and high-quality project delivery. Demonstrate strong capability in CAD (SolidWorks), producing technically robust designs that support efficient review and approval processes.

Demonstrate strong capability in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Ansys to validate designs, identify potential failure modes, and drive optimization of components for performance and durability. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular progress updates and presenting technical solutions. Understanding of the product lifecycle, recognising potential risks and their impact on project delivery.

Manage time effectively across multiple projects, understanding interdependencies and the impact on wider team and program timelines. Demonstrate a working awareness of mechanical and electrical system integration within a multidisciplinary environment. Qualifications Candidates should possess strong Design Engineering skills, with experience in developing technical concepts into manufacturable solutions.

Candidates should possess Mechanical Engineering skills relevant to vehicle systems, including knowledge of materials, structures, and fluid or thermal principles. Candidates should possess Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills for 3D modeling, drafting, and generating engineering drawings for production. Candidates should possess Electrical Engineering skills related to vehicle electrics, control systems, or integration of hydrogen-related technologies.

Candidates should possess Product Design skills, including consideration of usability, safety, manufacturability, and lifecycle performance. Experience in automotive or commercial vehicle engineering, particularly low-carbon or alternative fuel technologies, is beneficial. A relevant engineering degree or equivalent practical experience in design or mechanical/electrical engineering is preferred.

Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and the capability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment are important. Good communication skills and the ability to document designs, test results, and technical decisions clearly are advantageous. WORKING CONDITIONS/BENEFITS Location: Primarily based at our Aintree, Liverpool facility, with occasional travel to partners, suppliers, and customer sites in the UK and abroad.

Hands-on R&D Environment: Work directly with prototype vehicles and cutting-edge hydrogen-electric technologies in a fast-paced, impact-driven setting. Flexible Working: While much of the role is workshop-based, we offer flexibility where appropriate to support work-life balance. Professional Development: Opportunities to grow your skills through exposure to innovative technologies, collaborative projects, and industry-leading partners.

Team Culture: Join a close-knit, multidisciplinary engineering team passionate about driving decarbonisation in heavy-duty transport. Competitive Package: Includes salary commensurate with experience and 25 days of annual leave (plus public holidays). The company pension scheme, medical scheme, death-in-service benefit, and employee benefit scheme are eligible after the probationary period.