Founding Mechanical Engineer

Akkodis; Newquay; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Modis is seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer in Cornwall with regular international travel. The role requires eligibility for UK security clearance and involves owning the hardware development for a next-generation defence capability from the ground up.

You will influence product design, engineering direction and processes as the venture scales. You will design mechanical systems, build and test prototypes, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive rapid iteration and ensure

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in structures, materials, mechanisms and dynamics.
• Hands-on experience designing hardware for challenging environments.
• Advanced CAD capability and manufacturing-ready designs.
• Proactive problem-solving and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems from concept to production and deployment.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware.
• Support testing activities, live trials, data analysis and design refinement.
• Plan and execute verification and validation across environments.
• Tackle complex engineering challenges with robust solutions.
• Drive rapid product iteration through test-and-learn.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to influence overall system design.
• Contribute to development of engineering processes, standards and culture.

Skills

CAD modeling

Mechanical design

Prototype testing

Autonomous work

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Founding Mechanical Engineer Location: Cornwall, with regular international travel as project and testing activities require. Security Clearance: Eligibility for UK security clearance is essential for this role. Our client is developing next-generation defence technology to address one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern warfare. As low-cost drones continue to reshape the battlefield, the need for scalable and cost-effective air defence solutions has never been greater. We are supporting them in the search for a Founding Mechanical Engineer who will play a pivotal role in the development of a new capability from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and take ownership of critical hardware development, influencing both product design and the future engineering direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and subsystems from concept through to production and deployment.
• Create and maintain CAD models, detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware.
• Support testing activities, including live trials, data analysis and design refinement.
• Plan and execute verification and validation activities across a range of environments.
• Work through complex engineering challenges, developing practical and robust solutions.
• Drive rapid product iteration through a test-and-learn approach.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers to influence overall system design.
• Contribute to the development of engineering processes, standards and technical culture.

What We're Looking For

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals across structures, materials, mechanisms and dynamics.
• Experience designing real-world hardware for challenging operating environments.
• The ability to balance performance, cost, manufacturability, weight and risk when making engineering decisions.
• Advanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufacture.
• A hands-on approach with practical experience building and testing physical systems.
• A proactive mindset with a genuine passion for learning and problem-solving.
• The ability to work autonomously and take ownership of deliverables.
• A track record of operating successfully in fast-paced or high-growth environments.

Desirable Experience

• Defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated engineering sectors.
• Missile systems, rocketry, UAVs, or flight systems.
• Electromechanical product development.
• Aerodynamics, modelling, simulation, or systems testing.
• Side projects, personal engineering builds, or entrepreneurial ventures.
• Understanding of defence standards, certification, or airworthiness requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• This role offers the chance to be involved in something from the very beginning.
• Rather than joining a large established organisation, you'll have genuine influence over the product, the technology roadmap and the engineering culture being built around it.
• For the right individual, this is an opportunity to combine technical ownership, entrepreneurial thinking and meaningful impact while helping to develop a capability designed to address a significant and evolving defence challenge.

Both Modis International Ltd and Modis Europe Ltd are Equal Opportunities Employers.