Independent mechanical design checking & review
Independent scrutiny of engineering work, from individual outputs to complete design packages.
When engineering work needs a second experienced pair of eyes, I act as an external checking engineer: reviewing calculations, drawings, reports, 3D models and wider design packages against the basis established by the supplied information.
The engagement can provide ongoing checking capacity for individual outputs as they arise, or a concentrated independent review of a larger package before an acceptance gate, manufacture, formal issue or further investment.
The role is deliberately separate from authorship. I identify where requirements, assumptions, decisions or constraints have not been adequately addressed, and where the supporting evidence is incomplete, inconsistent or unclear. I provide prioritised mark-ups and technically useful feedback, while responsibility for resolving and revising the design remains with the client’s engineering team.
Is this you?
- You need regular engineering checks, but lack suitable senior or independent checking capacity.
- A new design package is approaching an acceptance gate, and you want an external review of what the design team has produced before it moves forward.
- An existing design needs evaluating against today’s requirements and constraints, so you can see what no longer remains adequate.
Approach
I establish the effective design basis, including the acceptance criteria, from the documents and background information provided for review.
For ongoing checking support, I check individual calculations, drawings, reports, 3D models and other outputs as they arise, returning documented mark-ups and review comments.
For new design or engineering package reviews, I review the package as a coherent whole before an acceptance gate, such as issue to the end client, manufacture or further investment. The review goes beyond individual document checks to identify inconsistencies and gaps across the package as a whole.
For existing design reviews, I reconstruct the apparent original design basis to understand why the design took its present form, then establish an updated basis reflecting today’s requirements, constraints and priorities. I evaluate the existing design against that updated basis, identifying any gaps, shortcomings and opportunities for rationalisation or optimisation.
At a glance
Engagement modes
Typical inputs
The calculations, drawings, models, reports or design package to be checked · Available background and supporting information · The purpose of the review and the decision it needs to support
Typical outputs
Prioritised redline mark-ups · Documented review comments · A concise overview results report, where appropriate
Where it sits
An independent external checking and review capability supporting your in-house design activities.
Common questions
A few quick answers about the checking role, design basis and sign-off.
Need an independent view before the work moves forward?
Tell me what needs checking, what information is available and what decision or acceptance gate the review needs to support.