Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

MBDA S.A.S.; Whilton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

On-site 5 days/week

Bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14%

Overtime paid

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Enhanced parental leave

Free parking

Healthcare cash plan

Job summary

MBDA S.A.S. in the UK seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to drive mechanical design on missile projects within the Sparkworks area.

You will lead mechanical engineering for assigned programs, pushing early-stage concepts toward development and rapid prototyping. The role requires a solid grasp of mechanical design, structural and thermal considerations, and the ability to develop concepts with limited information.

Qualifications

• Understanding of Mechanical Design including structural and thermal considerations.
• Ability to develop concept design solutions with evolving requirements.
• Awareness of electronic packaging and low observability beneficial.
• Experience with 3D CAD/CAE (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Lead for assigned projects, providing Mechanical Engineering expertise.
• Work on early-stage development projects and rapid prototyping.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD

CAE

Strong communication

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

2026-09-24T00:00:00

Location: West of England, England

Country: GB

Availability: Any

Application Deadline: 2026-12-26T07:01:15.74

Job Description

Exciting opportunity to join the Mechanical Future Concepts team as a Mechanical Design Engineer within the Sparkworks area. This role involves working on novel and disruptive technologies, contributing to innovative projects that shape the future.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Circa £55,000 depending on experience
• Dynamic (hybrid) working
• 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification
• Security Clearance: British Citizen
  Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum, and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: Offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements available for paternity leave, neonatal leave, and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking, and much more
• Healthcare Cash Plan: Provides the option to claim cashback on healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, wellbeing, and more.

The Opportunity

This role involves working within a multidisciplinary team engaged across various areas of missile design, encompassing research and mainstream project work. You will be the Mechanical Lead for assigned projects, providing Mechanical Engineering expertise. You will work on early-stage development projects, shaping their direction into development and rapid prototyping.

You will have the opportunity to propose ideas for future research topics and secure funding to develop these ideas. The role involves tackling challenging engineering problems and receiving structured skills development.

What We're Looking For

• A good understanding of Mechanical Design, including Structural and Thermal considerations
• Ability to develop concept design solutions with limited information and evolving requirements
• Wider awareness of other disciplines such as Electronic Packaging and Low Observability is beneficial
• Relevant 3D CAD/CAE experience (training on preferred CAE tools will be provided)
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders

Our Company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to defend our freedom. We foster employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability, and others.

We recognize everyone's uniqueness and encourage you to speak with us for advice, support, or adjustments during the recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK), and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

#LI-SA1 #J-18808-Ljbffr