Founding Mechanical Engineer (Senior/Lead)

Meridian Defence; West of England, Exeter; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Defence in the UK is seeking a senior mechanical design engineer to own the hardware architecture from concept through production. You will prototype, test and deploy systems, and as the company grows you may lead engineering efforts.

With 5+ years in engineering, advanced CAD skills and a track record of delivering manufacturable designs, you will help shape airframe structures, thermal systems and mechanisms. UK security clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years engineering experience with mechanical design
• Advanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufacture
• Hands‑on prototyping, 3D printing, basic machining and wiring/soldering

Responsibilities

• Design the airframe, structure and mechanical systems from concept to production
• Architect the system, weighing cost, weight, performance and risk trade-offs
• Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware
• Plan and run test and evaluation to prove each system
• Generate ICDs, trade studies and requirements

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD software

Prototyping

Test & validation

Systems integration

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Location: Bristol / Exeter, UK. Work location: in office. Some UK travel and occasional international travel.

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 plus share options.

Security clearance: You must be eligible for UK security clearance (UK national, or long-term UK resident).

About us

Meridian is building 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 cost-effective air defence has never been greater. We’re founded by Engineers from BAE Systems and MBDA, alongside an experienced deep tech CEO. Our engineering base is in the South West between Bristol and Exeter.

About the role

You’ll own the mechanical design and development of our hardware, from architecture and prototyping through test, validation and deployment. This is the senior engineering role in the company. You’ll set how we design, build and prove hardware, and as we grow you’ll have the opportunity to lead engineering.

What you'll do

• Design the airframe, structure and mechanical systems, and take them from concept to production
• Architect the system, weighing trade-offs across cost, weight, performance and risk
• Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware yourself
• Plan and run test and evaluation, deciding how best to prove each system
• Work across whatever the problem needs, this is a broad role, and you’ll reach well beyond mechanical
• Generate ICDs, trade studies and requirements

What we need

• 5+ years of engineering experience, with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals in structures, thermal, fluids and mechanisms. You have experience designing and testing hardware until it works
• A track record of excellence, inside and/or outside of work
• Advanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufacture
• A relentless work ethic and resourcefulness, you have the agency to get things done
• Hands‑on prototyping, 3D printing, basic machining, hand tools, wiring and soldering
• The ability to see the bigger picture and make smart calls about where to spend effort
• A degree in an engineering discipline
• Eligibility for UK security clearance (UK national, or long‑term UK resident)

What would make you stand out

• Experience with seekers, actuation, propulsion, GNC, Warheads, fuzing & safe/arm, datalinks or launchers
• Experience with electromechanical and electrical design concepts
• Simulation experience, FEA and CFD
• A defence background and familiarity with the regulatory landscape
• In your spare time you’ve built and fired rockets, drones, robots, propulsion systems

Why Consider This?

This is a unique opportunity, you’d be part of the founding team with more ownership than you’ve ever had. You’ll be able to shape the company with the opportunity to take over from the founders to lead engineering as the company grows. That said, the work is demanding and the pace is high, this isn’t a 9-5.

We offer a meaningful equity stake plus the base salary of £50,000 to £55,000.

If you’re earlier in your career but have built something remarkable, we’d still like to hear from you.