Founding Mechanical Engineer: Defence Hardware Lead

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

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