Design Engineer Contract Jobs in Edinburgh
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63 Contract jobs sorted by:
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Date Posted
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Updating results…
63 Contract jobs
Financial Controls Manager (Subsidiary Companies)
Posted 2 days ago by Morgan Philips Executive
The Financial Controls Manager will serve as the primary liaison between the University of Edinburgh and its subsidiary...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
Financial Controls Manager (Research)
Posted 2 days ago by Morgan Philips Executive
The Financial Controls Manager (Research) at the University of Edinburgh is responsible for enhancing the financial cont...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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AI Engineer (Contract) - AI Cloud
Posted 4 days ago by Hamilton Barnes
The AI Engineer role involves designing, building, and deploying scalable AI/ML and GenAI solutions across the full life...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh , UK
Senior Developer - Edinburgh/Remote - £500.00 Per Day Outside IR35
Posted 5 days ago by Click
The role of Senior Software Developer involves joining an Agile team to develop scalable web applications and REST APIs,...
- Rate £500 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Power BI Designer/Analytics Consultant; 6 months
Posted 5 days ago by Newtyne
The role of Power BI Designer/Analytics Consultant involves leading the design and delivery of reporting solutions for a...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Edinburgh, Glasgow or Manchester 2/3 days in office, UK
Senior Dev Ops Engineer
Posted 6 days ago by Morson Edge
The Senior DevOps Engineer will lead the design, build, and deployment of cloud-based environments while promoting DevOp...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Service Designer
Posted 7 days ago by Damia Group Ltd
The role of Service Designer requires experienced professionals who are SC Cleared or Clearable, with a focus on deliver...
- Rate £500 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
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About Our Design Engineer Contract Roles in Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh?
As the UK's second largest financial centre by assets under management, Edinburgh generates deep and recurring demand for technology, change, risk, actuarial, and regulatory contractors from its concentration of asset managers, insurers, banks, and investment firms. Scottish Government departments and agencies headquartered in the city add a public sector dimension covering digital delivery, policy implementation, and programme management. A growing fintech community draws on Edinburgh's strong university talent pipeline to feed both permanent and contract hiring. Financial services roles requiring niche expertise can command rates that match or exceed those seen elsewhere in the UK, and the city's quality of life continues to attract contractors willing to relocate from London for comparable earnings in a more manageable environment.
How much do design engineer contractors usually earn in Edinburgh?
Contract rates for design engineer roles in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 300 design engineer contract roles across the site, with Edinburgh maintaining steady volume. Data reviewed up to June 2026.