Design Engineer Contract Jobs in Leeds
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94 Contract jobs sorted by:
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Date Posted
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Updating results…
94 Contract jobs
Senior Temporary Works Design Engineer
Posted Today by Laing O'Rourke
Role OverviewAs a Senior Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for producing drawings, calculations, and specifications...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Manchester Area, United Kingdom
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Electrical Harness Design Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by The Graduate Project
The RoleYou will be responsible for: Designing and maintaining vehicle electrical schematicsCreating 2D electrical harne...
- Rate £45 per hour
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
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Mechanical Design Engineer
Posted 3 days ago by Coalesce Management Consulting
Role OverviewWe’re looking for a Mechanical Design Engineers with strong NX experience to support a major rotating-equip...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
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About Our Design Engineer Contract Roles in Leeds
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 Leeds?
One of the largest financial and legal centres outside London, Leeds generates sustained contractor demand from high street banks, building societies, insurance groups, and national law firms with significant presences in the city. Legal technology, regulatory change, and compliance contracting benefit from this dual concentration in a way few other regional cities can offer. The NHS and broader public sector add volume across programme delivery, clinical systems, and business analysis. Around the South Bank area, a growing pool of technology firms is gradually broadening the types of roles available beyond the traditional finance and professional services core. For contractors seeking a lower cost base without a significant reduction in opportunity, Leeds is one of the most credible alternatives to London in the north of England.
How much do design engineer contractors usually earn in Leeds?
Contract rates for design engineer roles in Leeds typically range from £350 to £650 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many design engineer vacancies in Leeds are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 300 design engineer contract roles across the site, with Leeds contributing substantially. Data reviewed up to July 2026.