Job Description:

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

UAV Systems | Aerospace & Defence

Hereford

Join an innovative British engineering company developing next-generation UAV components and interceptor launch mechanisms for the defence sector.

This is not a conventional CAD-focused design role. We are looking for an engineer who can solve complex mechanical problems from first principles, applying engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking and sound judgement to create innovative products where no existing solution exists.

Working within a highly capable multidisciplinary team, you will take ownership of mechanical systems from concept through to testing and production, playing a key role in the development of advanced aerospace and defence technology.

The Role

• Develop innovative mechanical systems, mechanisms, components and assemblies for UAV interceptor products.
• Apply first-principles engineering to solve complex design challenges.
• Perform engineering calculations, modelling and analysis to justify design decisions.
• Design components and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Support prototype development, testing and product validation.
• Work closely with manufacturing and multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing complex mechanical systems within aerospace, defence, motorsport, robotics or another advanced engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of:
• Mechanics
• Dynamics
• Materials
• Structural behaviour
• Mechanical system design
• Proven ability to solve engineering problems from first principles using calculations, analysis and engineering judgement.
• Experience taking products from concept through design, testing and validation.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.

Desirable:

• ANSYS, Mathcad or similar analysis tools.
• Design for Manufacture (DFM) experience.
• Pneumatics or hydraulics knowledge.

Why Join?

• Work on genuinely innovative aerospace and defence products.
• Direct influence over product design and technical decisions.
• Small, agile engineering team where expertise is valued.
• Opportunity to see designs progress from concept to operational deployment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

The Ideal Engineer

You'll be the type of engineer who wants to understand the physics before designing the solution. Someone who can justify decisions through analysis, calculations and testing, rather than simply modifying existing designs.

If you enjoy solving difficult engineering challenges and developing products from the ground up using first-principles thinking, we'd like to hear from you

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.