Design Engineer Contract Jobs in Cambridge
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140 Contract jobs
Mechanical Systems Installation Design Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Carbon60 - Eng&Tech
Role OverviewAn exciting opportunity has arisen to join the 1AWYF2 Fuel Systems Installation Wing Engineering Design Tea...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Bristol, Somerset
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Circuit32 Recruitment Solutions Ltd
I'm recruiting for a tech start-up in Cheltenham who are growing their R&D and engineering team following a successf...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Onsite
- Location Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Posted 4 days ago by GlobalTech Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer - (outside IR35) Contract, Hybrid (Gloucestershire) £depending on experience / expectationsLe...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
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About Our Design Engineer Contract Roles in Cambridge
What does a design engineer contractor do?
As a contract Design Engineer, you are hired to develop technical designs for mechanical, structural, electrical, or systems engineering components, assemblies, and products across a range of industrial and infrastructure sectors. The work involves translating requirements and specifications into detailed engineering designs, producing drawings and models using CAD software, conducting engineering calculations and analysis, reviewing and approving supplier and subcontractor designs, and supporting the manufacturing or construction phase to resolve technical issues as they arise. Design Engineer contractors are brought in on product development programmes, capital projects, and engineering change programmes where additional design capacity or specialist technical expertise is needed on a project basis.
The technical skills expected vary by discipline and sector. Mechanical Design Engineers need proficiency in 3D CAD software, most commonly SolidWorks, CATIA, or Inventor, alongside experience with FEA analysis tools for structural and thermal analysis. Electrical Design Engineers require expertise in electrical schematic design, cable and panel design, and familiarity with relevant standards including BS 7671 and IEC standards. Civil and structural design roles require proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, or Tekla and knowledge of Eurocodes and British Standards. Across all disciplines, experience producing designs that are fit for manufacture or construction, managing the interface with procurement and production teams, and producing clear and accurate engineering documentation is essential.
What is the market like for design engineer contractors?
Contract Design Engineer work sits within a consistently active specialist market across manufacturing, aerospace, defence, oil and gas, construction, and infrastructure sectors. The aerospace and defence supply chain, the automotive sector, and the growing offshore energy market are among the most significant sources of design contract work in the UK. The transition to electrification across automotive and aerospace is creating new demand for electrical and systems design engineers with experience in high-voltage and power electronics applications. Compensation reflects the technical specialism and sector experience required, with senior Design Engineers on safety-critical or novel technology programmes commanding rates at the top end of the engineering contractor market.
What is the contracting market like in Cambridge?
Few UK cities match the specificity of Cambridge's contracting opportunities. The life sciences, biotechnology, and deep technology ecosystem that has grown around the university and its research parks sustains work in scientific computing, bioinformatics, embedded systems, regulatory affairs, and clinical data at a scale and depth concentrated almost nowhere else. Beyond life sciences, telecommunications, chip design, and enterprise software employers broaden the range of engineering and development work available. Employers in Cambridge seek deep domain expertise and pay accordingly: rates for specialist disciplines frequently match or exceed London, though the overall volume of opportunities is smaller and concentrated in a narrower set of sectors. Contractors without a relevant scientific or deep technical background will find the market less accessible than its reputation might suggest.
How much do design engineer contractors usually earn in Cambridge?
Contract rates for design engineer roles in Cambridge typically range from £368 to £683 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many design engineer vacancies in Cambridge are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 300 design engineer contract roles across the site, with Cambridge maintaining consistent volume. Data reviewed up to July 2026.