Design Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester
Updating results…
116 Contract jobs sorted by:
Date Posted
Date Posted
Rate
Updating results…
116 Contract jobs
Stay Updated on Contract Jobs
Never miss another opportunity with our email alerts.
Save your searches to be notified as soon as new jobs are added.
Electronic Engineering Technician - Production Design Support
Posted 1 day ago by Certain Advantage
Job DescriptionThe role offers the candidate a true engineering challenge in their core discipline(s), whilst providing...
- Rate £34 per hour
- Category Inside
- Work type Not specified
- Location Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL5 1EE
senior rtl design engineer (silicon engineering)
Posted 1 day ago by Randstand (USA)
Job SummaryJoin an industry-leading Silicon Engineering team focused on building high-performance digital subsystems and...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location san francisco, california (remote)
Create a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign Up
Substation Design Engineer III
Posted 1 day ago by Opusing One, LLC
Job Description: Callouts:This role is remote but needs to be local to the Johnston Office in RI so they can visit for s...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote or Hybrid in Providence, Rhode Island
Create a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign Up
Protection & Control Design Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by First Technical Recruitment
Role PurposeDeliver Protection & Control (P&C) design solutions for high-voltage transmission and renewable ener...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Inside
- Work type Not specified
- Location London; City of London; East London; Central London; South East London; West London; Canary Wharf; South West London; North London; Greenwich; Stratford
Sort By
Saved Searches
No saved searches yet
Filters
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Country
Seniority Level
Posted By
Contract Rate
Date Posted
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Posted By
Country
Seniority Level
Date Posted
Contract Rate
£
—
£
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 September 2026.