Design Engineer

Supersmith is an inclusive company and believes in equal opportunity. We care about people and how innovations in design and technology can improve their life and expand their world. We are ambitious and seek to deliver impact. Role description: We are seeking a talented Design Engineer (4-7 years experience) to join our team and bring our innovative 3-wheeled mobility scooter to market. You will be involved in developing our minimum viable product (MVP) to be ready for manufacturing and production. You’ll have a blend of problem-solving skills, design for manufacturing expertise, and an understanding of producing hardware at scale. The ideal candidate is hands-on, with practical experience in prototyping and testing, works independently and has an appreciation for user-centered design. Key responsibilities: Design & Development: Develop and refine designs for a lightweight, foldable, self-balancing 3-wheeled mobility scooter. Create detailed CAD models and sketches; proficiency in Fusion 360 is a plus but not essential, skills from other similar software (e.g. Solidworks) can be migrated. Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and stress analysis to ensure product safety and reliability of the product. Conduct tolerance stack analyses to optimise component assembly, fit and function. Work with standards, certification documentation and design requirements. Prototyping & Testing: Rapidly prototype components and assemblies using techniques like 3D printing and mock-ups. Design test, fit and validate parts on prototypes, test rigs or in assembly bays. Iterate designs based on testing results and feedback. Manufacturing Preparation: Apply design for manufacturing principles to ensure design output is production-ready. Collaborate with the supply chain expertise to make design decisions that consider manufacturing capabilities and limitations. Experience with manufacturing techniques such as injection moulding, MJF/SLS, sheet metal fabrication, bending, casting, laser cutting, welding, and extrusions. Collaboration: Work closely with internal team members experienced in related areas to integrate various aspects of the product design. Communicate effectively to drive design requirements empathetic to end-user needs. Be able to work in an agile manner using 3rd parties to perform tasks if more cost-effective or efficient. Confidently present work to key stakeholders and wider industry. Quality Assurance: Potential future travel to oversee quality control tests at overseas suppliers. Coach manufacturing staff to ensure product quality standards are met. Required skills Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Design Engineering or a closely related degree 4-7 years of experience in design engineering, preferably in hardware product development Proficiency in CAD software; experience with Fusion 360 is advantageous Strong skills in FEA, stress analysis, and tolerance stack calculations Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and practical testing methodologies Knowledge of various manufacturing processes and how they impact design decisions Ability to empathise with end-users and translate their needs into design requirements Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail Soft skills: Strong communication and teamwork abilities Networking and social media (e.g. LinkedIn) proficiency Empathy towards end-users to inform design decisions Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced development setting Work Environment: On-site position in a shared office and workshop space Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for hands-on prototype work Travel Requirements: Future travel may be required to visit overseas suppliers and oversee quality control processes Desirable skills The ability to deliver an 80% solution quickly and prioritise real-world testing Ability to work in a shared workshop and assist others in the team where required Experience in maintenance or modification of a vehicle (e.g. bike, car, scooter etc.) as part of work or otherwise A working knowledge of assistive or adaptive technologies Experience with improving inclusivity or accessibility A basics understanding of electronics and source code  Salary £40-45k.