Lead Mechanical Engineer

Mane Contract Services; Frome, Ampthill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day week

On-site work in Ampthill

Defence project exposure

Collaborative engineering environment

Job summary

Defence Organisation Ampthill is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for next-generation land platforms and defence technologies. You will design complex mechanisms, analyze structures, and work across multidisciplinary teams to meet programme objectives.

The role requires extensive CREO CAD and Windchill usage, a track record in defence or industrial automation, and the ability to deliver robust solutions for harsh environments.

Qualifications

• Experience designing mechanical systems for defence applications.
• Ability to perform basic structural and kinematic calculations.
• Proven track record delivering products for harsh environments.
• Experience with CREO and Windchill.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of Mechanical systems and components.
• Produce high-quality mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture.
• Design complex mechanisms and assemblies for defence applications.
• Plan, coordinate and manage engineering activities across the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure designs are suitable for harsh operating environments and meet defence industry standards.

Skills

Mechanical design

Product development

Defence industry experience

Mechanism design

Structural calculations

Kinematic calculations

Harsh environments

Materials knowledge

Attention to detail

Full lifecycle

Tools

CREO CAD

Windchill PLM

Job description

Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking to work on some of the UK's most exciting defence programmes?

We are currently recruiting for multiple Lead Mechanical Engineers to support the development of next-generation land systems for a leading global defence organisation based in Ampthill. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex military vehicle programmes, contributing to the design and development of cutting-edge defence technologies.

You'll be joining a highly skilled engineering team responsible for delivering innovative mechanical design solutions for armoured vehicle platforms and complex mechanisms operating in demanding environments.

The Role

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the design and development of Mechanical systems and components.
• Producing high-quality mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture.
• Designing complex mechanisms and assemblies for defence applications.
• Performing structural and kinematic calculations to support design activities.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver programme objectives.
• Planning, coordinating and managing engineering activities across the product development lifecycle.
• Ensuring designs are suitable for harsh operating environments and meet defence industry standards.
• Utilising CREO and Windchill to develop and manage mechanical design data.
• Contributing technical expertise throughout the design and product development process.
• Proven experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Strong background working within the defence or industrial automation sectors.
• Extensive experience using CREO CAD software.
• Experience using Windchill PLM software.
• In-depth understanding of complex mechanism design principles.
• Ability to perform basic structural and kinematic calculations.
• Proven track record of delivering products designed for harsh environments.
• Strong knowledge of materials, treatments and finishing technologies used within defence products.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate engineering activities effectively.
• Experience designing land systems.
• Aerospace or military design experience.
• Experience working across the full mechanical design lifecycle from concept through to delivery.

Security Clearance

• Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
• BPSS clearance is required to start.

Working Arrangements

• Mandatory on-site attendance in Ampthill every Monday and Tuesday.
• Additional on-site days may be required depending on programme requirements.
• Flexible 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday), offering an excellent work-life balance.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to work on leading UK defence programmes.
• 4-day working week.
• Collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
• Exposure to complex military vehicle and defence technologies.
• Multiple positions available with an immediate requirement.

If you're an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a passion for defence engineering and complex mechanical systems, we'd love to hear from you.