Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

UAV Interceptor Systems | Aerospace & Defence

Hereford

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join an innovative British engineering company developing next-generation UAV components and interceptor launch mechanisms.

Working within a highly capable multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in the development of advanced mechanical systems from concept through to testing and production. This is a challenging product development role where engineering judgement, analytical thinking and first-principles design are valued as highly as CAD capability.

We're seeking an engineer who enjoys solving difficult mechanical problems, developing novel solutions and using engineering fundamentals to create products that perform reliably in demanding real-world environments.

The Opportunity

You will be involved in the development of UAV components and interceptor launch mechanisms and associated mechanical systems, taking ownership of complex engineering challenges from initial concept through to validation and deployment.

This role would suit an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys working on innovative products where there is often no existing solution to copy and where a strong understanding of mechanics, dynamics, materials and structural behaviour is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical concepts, architectures and design solutions for UAV interceptor systems and launch mechanisms.
• Apply first-principles engineering and analytical methods to solve complex design challenges.
• Perform engineering calculations, simulations and modelling activities to size, analyse and optimise designs.
• Design components, assemblies and mechanisms using CAD.
• Conduct trade-off studies and evaluate alternative design approaches.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate performance and reliability.
• Support prototype build, development testing and product validation activities.
• Work closely with manufacturing and multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement of existing products and future developments.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience developing complex mechanical systems within aerospace, defence , motorsport or another advanced engineering sector.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals including:
  • Mechanics
  • Dynamics
  • Materials
  • Structural behaviour
  • Mechanical system design
• Ability to solve engineering problems from first principles using calculations, analysis and engineering judgement.
• Experience taking products from concept through design, testing and implementation.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD tools.
• Experience using engineering calculation, modelling or simulation tools such as ANSYS, Mathcad or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and engineering development processes.
• Pneumatics experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's In It For You?

• Work on genuinely innovative aerospace and defence products.
• Join a fast-growing British engineering business developing technology at the forefront of counter-UAS systems.
• Significant technical ownership and influence over product development decisions.
• Small, agile engineering team where technical excellence is recognised and rewarded.
• Opportunity to see your designs progress from concept through to operational deployment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Ideal Backgrounds

We would be particularly interested in engineers with experience from:

• Aerospace
• Defence
• UAV / Drone Systems
• Missile Systems
• Space
• Robotics
• Motorsport
• Advanced R&D
• Complex Electro-Mechanical Product Development

Engineer-to-Engineer

This role is suited to someone who enjoys understanding the physics of a problem before developing a solution. We're looking for engineers who can define the design, justify it analytically and prove it through testing, rather than simply modifying existing concepts.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.