Design Engineer

Milltown, Newry Mourne and Down
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Hardware Design Engineer (Electronics)

Our client is an industry leader in robotic tank cleaning, providing pioneering solutions to the oil & gas sector. Their innovative technology eliminates the need for human entry into hazardous confined spaces, delivering world-class safety, efficiency and reliability.
Due to continued growth, our client is now looking to appoint an experienced Senior Design Engineer to take a lead role in the design, development and integration of their advanced robotic cleaning systems.
Role Overview
This is a senior, hands-on design role, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning projects end-to-end, driving improvements, and supporting the wider engineering function.
You will lead the design and enhancement of complex machinery and robotic systems that incorporate hydraulics, intrinsically safe electrical systems (ATEX compliant) and pumping/vacuum solutions, ensuring systems remain robust, safe and high-performing in challenging oil & gas environments.
Key Responsibilities


  • Lead design and development improvements to ATEX Zone 0 robotic tank cleaning systems

  • Integrate mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and pumping components into complete engineered solutions

  • Drive innovation and optimisation to improve reliability and performance

  • Ensure ongoing compliance with ATEX and oil & gas safety standards

  • Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior engineers

  • Participate in and lead design reviews, design validation and continuous improvement initiatives

  • Support engineering project delivery through planning, coordination and technical oversight

The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a highly experienced engineer who can combine technical leadership with practical design expertise.
While this role is based in Ireland, we warmly welcome applications currently residing in the UK wanting to relocate.
You will ideally have:


  • Experience designing machines from start to finish (e.g. dumpers, forklifts, heavy plant or industrial machinery)

  • Strong capability across mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems

  • Ideally 20+ years’ experience in design / mechanical engineering environments

  • A hands-on mindset — comfortable supporting practical work when required

  • Happy to spend approximately 80% of your time in design, while also being able to manage a team and lead projects

Essential Criteria


  • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or similar discipline)

  • Minimum 7+ years’ experience in a similar role

  • Strong working knowledge of hydraulics / industrial machinery / mechanical systems

  • Confident leading projects and driving engineering activities

  • Strong CAD skills (preferably SolidWorks)

Desirable Experience


  • Knowledge of ATEX / IECEx or explosion-proof design principles

  • Experience with pumping and vacuum systems

  • Background in oil, chemical plant maintenance, tank cleaning or decommissioning systems

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.