Design Engineer (Mechanical / CAD)

Cambridge Aerospace; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and stock

Private Medical & Dental

Cycle to work scheme

Lunchtime catering on site

Job summary

Cambridge Aerospace is seeking a Design Engineer (Mechanical / CAD) to translate early aircraft concepts into robust digital geometry, shaping the Outer Mold Line and wetted surfaces. You’ll generate watertight CAD models and collaborate with Aerodynamics and Aircraft Design leadership to iterate and refine geometry for downstream use.

The role offers a pathway to build a structured CAD capability, establish modelling standards, and grow with a cross-functional engineering team.

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on CAD experience and ability to create high-quality surface models.
• Demonstrated understanding of geometric modelling principles and surface construction.
• Ability to work independently with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong engineering judgement and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-quality CAD models of aircraft concepts.
• Support the definition of the OML and wetted surfaces.
• Generate clean, watertight surface models from early-stage concepts.
• Collaborate with Aerodynamics and Aircraft Design leadership to iterate geometry.

Skills

CAD tools

Watertight surfaces

Geometric modelling

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Overview

The Design Engineer (Mechanical / CAD) is responsible for translating early aircraft concepts into robust, high-quality digital geometry, forming the foundation for all subsequent engineering activities. The role plays a key part in defining the aircraft’s Outer Mold Line (OML) and wetted surfaces, ensuring geometric integrity, consistency, and usability of design data from the earliest stages of development.

Operating at the interface between conceptual design and engineering realisation, this position supports rapid iteration of aircraft configurations in close collaboration with aerodynamics and aircraft design leadership. Over time, the role offers the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a structured CAD capability, including the development of modelling standards, best practices, and team growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-quality CAD models of aircraft concepts


• Support the definition and refinement of the aircraft Outer Mold Line (OML) and overall wetted surfaces


• Generate clean, watertight surface models from early-stage concepts and engineering input


• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics and aircraft design leadership to iterate and optimize geometry


• Ensure geometric consistency and robustness of CAD data for downstream use
  
• Contribute to the evolution of internal CAD best practices and modelling standards


• Support the transition from conceptual design into more mature design phases


• You will be working closely with the Aerodynamics Team, Aircraft Architect, Structural Design Lead and Cross-functional engineering teams


• Ownership of assigned CAD models and geometric definitions


• Responsibility for delivering high-quality, usable design data to the engineering team


• Opportunity to expand scope over time, including:




• Defining CAD and design best practices


• Supporting the build-up of a CAD capability


• Potentially contributing to or leading a future CAD/design team

Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience with CAD tools


• Proven ability to create high-quality, watertight surface models from scratch


• Solid understanding of geometric modelling principles and surface construction


• Ability to work independently, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset


• Good engineering judgement and attention to detail


• Degree (BSc/MSc) in Engineering is preferred but not mandatory

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Background in aerospace engineering (strongly preferred); automotive experience also considered


• Experience with primary structure design, particularly in composite structures


• Broader mechanical engineering background beyond pure CAD operation


• Exposure to early-stage aircraft or complex product development programs

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and stock options


• Private Medical & Dental


• Cycle to work scheme


• Lunchtime catering on site

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air: low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.

We are building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems needed to detect and target them, at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.

We have immense backing from some of the world’s leading venture funds. We are one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in history, and we are hiring talented people who want to develop their skills while contributing to an important mission.

If you are ambitious, eager to learn, willing to work hard and excited by the opportunity to build technology that addresses one of the defining challenges of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

We are interested in your practical ability, potential and willingness to learn, not whether you have followed a traditional academic career path.