I am a seasoned engineer and designer with over twenty years of hands-on experience across fast-paced industries. I have delivered robots for the BBC, an AI-powered sports robot, and simulator interfaces for Aston Martin and McLaren, along with multiple launch and recovery systems and ROVs. I thrive on leading multi-disciplinary teams, applying design for manufacture, and driving projects from concept through to production while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Derek James Kerr

I am a seasoned engineer and designer with over twenty years of hands-on experience across fast-paced industries. I have delivered robots for the BBC, an AI-powered sports robot, and simulator interfaces for Aston Martin and McLaren, along with multiple launch and recovery systems and ROVs. I thrive on leading multi-disciplinary teams, applying design for manufacture, and driving projects from concept through to production while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Available to hire

I am a seasoned engineer and designer with over twenty years of hands-on experience across fast-paced industries. I have delivered robots for the BBC, an AI-powered sports robot, and simulator interfaces for Aston Martin and McLaren, along with multiple launch and recovery systems and ROVs. I thrive on leading multi-disciplinary teams, applying design for manufacture, and driving projects from concept through to production while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

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Experience Level

Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Engineering Consultant at Taylor Hobson Ltd
July 31, 2025 - July 31, 2025
Provided engineering design and drafting services. Designed and drafted parts and subassemblies for Talor Hobson metrology equipment; worked on mechatronics cabling and 19” racks. Used SolidWorks, PDM and SW Manage to manage data and documentation.
Engineering Consultant at Caley Ocean Systems Ltd
February 28, 2025 - February 28, 2025
Provided engineering design and fabrication drafting services using SolidWorks.
Senior Mechanical Engineer at HCS CS Ltd
August 31, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Designed peripheral equipment for contracts (e.g., spreader beams) in accordance with DNV standards and specified pneumatic control systems.
Industrial Designer at Ace Aquatec Ltd
July 31, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Led design and manufacturing of multiple projects, including a high-voltage power management enclosure for a fish processing unit, a fully watertight submersible AI fish monitoring camera, and improvements in engineering systems and process control. Mentored staff in material selection, FEA, and drawing office practices.
Senior Engineer at Shakey Robotics Innovators Ltd
July 31, 2023 - July 31, 2023
Lead Engineer on all projects; implemented engineering systems, project management, and mentoring. Implemented Dassault 3DS SolidWorks workflow; authored and controlled documentation and stock controls; led design-to-manufacture efforts for multiple projects, including consultancy for Dynisma (robotics simulators for automotive brands).
Director at LARS Ltd
May 31, 2021 - May 31, 2021
Designer of automatic all-electric two-stage LARS actuations in SolidWorks; mechanical design and project delivery.
Mechanical Engineer at Outreach Offshore Ltd
May 31, 2020 - May 31, 2020
Introduced technical innovation to several LARS projects; performed CAD, analysis with Mathcad and FE/calcs; ensured compliance with DNV and Lloyds standards; produced manufacture, fabrication and weldment drawings and user manuals per ISO 8888 and 2768.
Senior Design Manager at McPhee Bros Ltd
April 30, 2019 - April 30, 2019
Led a design team; used SolidWorks Simulation; reviewed structures, pushed design improvements with calculations and analysis; supported new product development and sales with technical drawings and promotional materials; improved ISO9000/H&S compliance.
Mechanical Engineer at Nova Innovation
April 30, 2018 - April 30, 2018
Consultant mechanical engineer focusing on Autodesk Inventor parts/assemblies; authored technical documentation; introduced GD&T to ISO 8888; produced assemblies/BOMs/weldments; advised on fits and material choices.
Mechanical Engineer at Findlay Irvine
June 30, 2017 - June 30, 2017
Mechanical design authority for product development; liaised with customers and departments to translate requirements into models, prototypes, and drawings; supported BOM creation and production readiness.
Mechanical Engineer at Mountain Pursuits Ltd
December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Led the head torch concept to full specification, including BOM and business plan; coordinated a cross-functional team and prepared for potential funding and market launch.
Mechanical Engineer at Schlumberger
December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Designed tools, jigs, fixtures and mechanisms to improve productivity and safety; authored procedures; validated designs against standards; tooling included high-volume PEAK/silicone components.
Mechanical Engineer at Petroineos
December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Transformed refinery maintenance shop into a design facility; introduced Inventor; conducted FMEA; recommended material upgrades and tolerance adjustments to boost pump efficiency by ~25%; digitised paper drawings archive.
Workshop Superintendent at City of Edinburgh Council
December 31, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Maintained DT department operations; ensured tools and facilities met safety standards; wrote risk assessments; advanced CAD/CAM capabilities and training; designed mass-production jigs and fixtures.
Mechanical Engineer at Kerr Engineering Ltd
December 31, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Led design contracts and machine-shop work for major clients; produced 2D/3D drawings for oil/gas applications; contributed to ROV development and enclosure design.
Production Engineering Technician at Heriot-Watt University AMU
December 31, 1994 - December 31, 1994
Apprenticeship in multi-skilled mechanical technician role; CAD/CAM experience; designed jig/fixtures for mass production; contributed to lab rigs and equipment maintenance.
Mechanical Technician at Royal (Dick) Veterinary College
December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1987
Manufactured surgical instrumentation and custom fixtures; used lathes, mills and welding processes; contributed to medical instrumentation projects.

Education

HNC Design For Manufacture at Jewel and Esk Valley College
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1993
ONC Design For Manufacture at Telford College
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1991
Engineering with Management at Napier University
January 11, 2030 - November 12, 2025
SOLIDWORKS Refresher at TMS
January 1, 2016 - November 12, 2025
Autodesk Inventor at Napier University In-House Course
January 1, 2008 - November 12, 2025

Qualifications

Two Year YTS and Craft ONC
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1988
Health and Safety Representatives – Step One
January 1, 2010 - November 12, 2025
Health and Safety Representative Stage One
January 1, 2010 - November 12, 2025
Pro/Engineer Wildfire 4
January 1, 2008 - November 12, 2025
SOLIDWORKS Refresher
January 1, 2016 - November 12, 2025
Health and Safety Representatives – Step One
January 1, 2010 - November 12, 2025
Health and Safety Representative Stage One
January 1, 2011 - November 12, 2025
Pro/Engineer Wildfire 4
January 1, 2008 - November 12, 2025
Autodesk Inventor
January 1, 2008 - November 12, 2025

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Energy & Utilities, Transportation & Logistics