Aerospace Engineer (Hardware Focused)

Livelink Technology Ltd; Warblington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

LiveLink Aerospace in Havant is seeking an Aerospace Engineer with a strong hardware focus to design, prototype, and deliver high-performance aerospace components.

Based at our Havant facility, you will balance desktop design with hands-on fabrication, testing, and field pilots, collaborating with software and systems teams to integrate electronics and firmware.

The role requires a solid aerospace or mechanical engineering background and a pragmatic, safety-conscious mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or closely related STEM.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and manufacturing drawings (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor).
• Hands-on workshop experience with fabrication, electronics/soldering.
• Experience designing and validating hardware with mechanical and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Hardware development: mechanical/structural design meeting weight, aero, and environmental constraints.
• Prototyping & assembly: fabricate prototypes, integrate PCBs, wiring harnesses.
• Testing & validation: execute physical test plans (thermal, vibration, structural).
• Cross-functional collaboration: coordinate with software and systems teams for hardware integration.

Skills

CAD Proficiency

Hands-on Hardware

Testing & Validation

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace/Mechanical/Robotics

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Inventor

Job description

Aerospace Engineer (Hardware Focused)

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Department: Hardware

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Havant

Compensation: £45,000 - £55,000 / year

Description

At LiveLink Aerospace, we are disrupting the status quo. We design, build, and deploy next-generation aerospace technologies at pace. We don’t believe in bureaucratic silos; we believe in agile engineering, rapid prototyping, and getting high-performance hardware into the air.

We are looking for a skilled, versatile Aerospace Engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical and/or electronic hardware. Based full-time in our Havant facility, you will be the driving force behind bringing our physical systems to life.

This role is inherently dynamic, requiring a balance between precision engineering at a desk and hands-on execution in the workshop or field. You won’t just be pushing pixels on a CAD screen—you will be fabricating, testing, iterating, and deploying complex aerospace hardware.

Your week-to-week will look like a mix of:

• Design & Iteration: Developing structural components, enclosures, or electronic layouts.
• Prototyping & Production: Utilising workshop machinery, 3D printers, and soldering stations to build physical prototypes and production-ready units.
• Environmental & Rig Testing: Putting hardware through its paces against vibration, thermal stress, and impact.
• Flight Operations: Heading out into the field to install, troubleshoot, and evaluate your hardware during live flight trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Development: Lead the mechanical and structural design of aerospace components, ensuring they meet strict weight, aerodynamic, and environmental constraints.
• Prototyping & Assembly: Actively participate in the physical build process, including mechanical assembly, PCB integration, and wiring harnesses.
• Testing & Validation: Design and execute rigorous physical test plans (thermal, structural, and vibration) to validate hardware before flight.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software and systems teams to seamlessly integrate hardware components with onboard electronics and firmware.
• Supply Chain & Production Support: Assist in sourcing materials, components, and manufacturing processes to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to production.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Proven CAD Experience: Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Inventor) and creating manufacturing drawings.
• Hands-on Workshop Skills: Practical experience using workshop tools, fabricating prototypes, and a solid understanding of electronics/soldering.
• Testing Mindset: Experience setting up test rigs, collecting physical data, and diagnosing hardware failures.
• Adaptability: A thrives-under-pressure mindset, comfortable shifting gears between high-level design and dirty-hands building.

Bonus Points For

• Experience with lightweight composite materials or CNC machining.
• Familiarity with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad) and electronic troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards, environmental sealing (IP ratings), or vibration isolation.