Design Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester
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137 Contract jobs sorted by:
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Date Posted
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Updating results…
137 Contract jobs
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Mechanical Design Engineer (F1)
Posted 1 day ago by Arden White Limited
Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design EngineerFormula 1 - Northampton Initial 12month contractThis amazing long te...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Northampton, Northamptonshire
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Mechanical Design Engineer (Solidworks) -Contract -initial 2-3 months.
Posted 1 day ago by Matthew James Group Ltd
Mechanical Design Engineer (SolidWorks) – Immediate Start AvailableOur client, a leading engineering business, is lookin...
- Rate £35 per hour
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Thatcham (RG18)
Senior Network Solution Design Engineer
Posted 3 days ago by Vallum Associates Limited
Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver network solution designs supporting enterprise data centers, private cloud platforms, and pu...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Sheffield, Yorkshire
Systems Design Engineer ( System Performance )
Posted 3 days ago by Certain Advantage
World Class Defence Organisation is currently looking to recruit a Systems Design Engineer (System Performance) on an in...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location Stevenage, Hertfordshire
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About Our Design Engineer Contract Roles in Manchester
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 Manchester?
Manchester has established itself as the strongest contractor hub outside London, supported by a diverse economy spanning financial services, technology, media, and the public sector. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays anchors a cluster of digital, creative, and broadcasting employers, while Spinningfields and the wider city centre house the financial and professional services concentration. Several major insurers and banks run significant operations from Manchester, and the technology sector has matured considerably, with both established firms and scale-ups competing for software engineering, cloud, and data contractors. The rate gap with London has narrowed over the past few years as employer competition for experienced contractors in the city has intensified, and for many disciplines Manchester now offers comparable depth of opportunity at a materially lower cost base.
How much do design engineer contractors usually earn in Manchester?
Contract rates for design engineer roles in Manchester 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 Manchester are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 300 design engineer contract roles across the site, with Manchester accounting for a significant portion. Data reviewed up to July 2026.