David Dobinson
Mechanical Engineer
UK, looking to relocate to Germany
Summary
Mechanical Engineer (MEng) with 6+ years' experience, seeking a new opportunity in Germany. Have experience across marine, defence, and infrastructure projects. Skilled in system design, change management, and CAD development. Progressing toward Chartered Engineer status. Recognised for problem solving, process improvements, and leading multidisciplinary collaboration across high profile engineering programmes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Engineer
Babcock International Group
Bristol
2024.05 - 2025.05
- Supported hydraulic and pneumatic systems for submarine platforms (Astute, Dreadnought, S80, JB-III) within the Mission Systems, Fluid Power and Control team.
- Conducted system analysis and troubleshooting to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability, ensuring compliance with safety and military standards.
- Developed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using Siemens NX, ensuring manufacturability and compliance with BS 8888 and GD&T.
- Led design assurance activities, including tolerance stack-ups and interface management to minimize technical risks.
- Led critical design changes and managed the implementation of Engineering Change Requests.
- Ensured design traceability, configuration control, and compliance with Defence standards (DEF STANs) and PLM systems (IFS and TC).
- Organised and led detailed design reviews and product readiness reviews, collaborating with the Ministry of Defence, manufacturers, and internal teams.
- Provided technical reports and presentations to senior engineers and project managers, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
Change Engineer
Babcock International Group
Bristol
2022.11 - 2024.04
- Delivered design change proposals and technical investigations for in service Royal Navy vessels, including Type 45 Destroyers and Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.
- Interpreted stakeholder requirements and developed engineering solutions within the Maritime Systems Support Partner (MSSP) framework.
- Supported complex design changes across mechanical systems and equipment, ensuring compliance with engineering governance and design intent.
- Collaborated with Defence stakeholders and cross-functional teams to provide timely, cost effective, and sustainable engineering support.
- Contributed to operational availability and lifecycle cost reduction for naval platforms through tailored, scalable engineering interventions.
Assistant Design Engineer
WSP U.K. Ltd
Bristol
2021.10 - 2022.11
- Delivered water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment schemes for UK utilities, private developers, and local authorities.
- Supported design of potable water supply, sewerage, pumping stations, and treatment works; contributed to feasibility studies and option assessments.
- Ensured project delivery met client expectations for quality, budget, and timelines, while complying with WSP's health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Applied independent engineering judgment to develop practical solutions for complex site constraints.
Project Engineer
Giacomini U.K. Ltd.
Bristol
2016.06 - 2021.10
- Led end to end delivery of commercial heating projects, managing design (AutoCAD), quoting, procurement, logistics, and client coordination to ensure profitable, timely outcomes.
- Engaged stakeholders to define requirements and applied risk management and safety measures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Created 2D CAD drawings and bills of materials; streamlined processes using Excel and Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
- Managed cost tracking, invoicing, and reporting with Sage software, converting quotes into purchase orders.
- Acted as primary client contact, resolving queries and providing technical support on heating products.
- Built business relationships and trained junior team members on quoting, design, and project procedures.
Education
MEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering
University of the West of England
United Kingdom 2011.09 - 2015.06
BTEC Diploma - Engineering
Truro College
United Kingdom 2009.09 - 2011.06
GCSEs - 11 Including English Language and Mathematics
Redruth School
United Kingdom 2004.09 - 2009.07
Skills
System analysis
Design assurance
Engineering change management
3D CAD modeling
Configuration control
Technical reporting
Project management
Hydraulic systems
Pneumatic systems
Languages
English
Native
German
Elementary
Software
AutoCAD
SolidWorks
Siemens NX
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Teamcenter
Industrial and Finance System
Sage Accounting
Excel
Visual Basic for Applications Macros
MC Office Suite
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Interests
Learning German, Guitar and Skiing
Personal Information
Driving licence: Full Driving Licence
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mechanical Engineer
Babcock International Group
2024.05 - 2025.05
Change Engineer
Babcock International Group
2022.11 - 2024.04
Assistant Design Engineer
WSP U.K. Ltd
2021.10 - 2022.11
Project Engineer
Giacomini U.K. Ltd.
2016.06 - 2021.10
MEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering
University of the West of England
2011.09 - 2015.06
BTEC Diploma - Engineering
Truro College
2009.09 - 2011.06
GCSEs - 11 Including English Language and Mathematics
Redruth School
2004.09 - 2009.07