Junior Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Hooper Quinn Limited is seeking a driven and practical Junior Mechanical Engineer to join their expanding technical team onsite in Buckinghamshire. This permanent role offers an immediate start and a competitive salary. It suits early-career engineers with solid mechanical fundamentals, curious about mechanical design and product development across multiple industries including motorsport, space, marine, robotics, consumer products, sports technology, and medical devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and developing mechanical components, assemblies, mechanisms, fixtures, prototypes, and test equipment.
• Create and update CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings under senior engineer supervision.
• Conduct engineering calculations, perform component sizing, tolerance assessments, and basic design validations.
• Contribute to material and component selection with emphasis on function, cost, availability, manufacturability, and assembly processes.
• Support prototype development including build, assembly, testing, and iterative design refinements.
• Identify design issues and recommend improvements based on engineering principles and feedback.
• Deliver delegated tasks within agreed timelines and quality parameters.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and build/test engineers.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, project meetings, and internal workshops.
• Maintain technical documentation such as Bills of Materials, drawings, design notes, assembly instructions, and test records.
• Communicate progress, risks, and queries clearly and proactively.
• Learn and effectively utilize internal project management, CAD, PLM, and documentation tools.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Automotive Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related field from a UK university.
• Graduate or early career level with 0–2 years relevant industry experience.
• Firm grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Proficiency in CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Ability to create and interpret 2D engineering drawings.
• Basic understanding of engineering calculations, component sizing, tolerances, and design for manufacturing considerations.
• Awareness of materials including metals, plastics, and composites.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, additive manufacturing, molding, casting, and assembly methods.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical systems including fasteners, bearings, shafts, brackets, mechanisms, seals, and structural elements.
• Practical hands-on experience through academic projects, Formula Student, personal projects, prototyping, or workshop activities is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Capability to quickly learn, ask insightful questions, and assimilate feedback constructively.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic consultancy environment with varied projects and challenges.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• 8% pension contribution.
• Performance-based bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive health insurance with options to include dependents.
• 36 days paid leave annually inclusive of Bank holidays.
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) policy.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Professional Development and Culture

• Extensive opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Exposure to diverse, advanced projects spanning multiple sectors.
• Mentorship and support from experienced senior engineers.
• Quarterly team-building days and an annual company skiing holiday.
• Collaborate in a vibrant, ambitious, and innovation-focused team environment located in scenic Buckinghamshire countryside.

About Hooper Quinn

Established in 2016, Hooper Quinn is a reputable engineering and innovation consultancy grounded in British engineering excellence and a Formula 1 heritage. The company offers comprehensive technical expertise to clients across industries, driven by strong technical execution and entrepreneurial spirit. It fosters an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Additional Application Information

Interested applicants must submit a CV, cover letter explaining suitability and motivation, and responses to three detailed application exercises evaluating engineering thought process, practical project experience, and cultural values. Applications missing any of these documents, or generated using AI, will not be considered.