Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates; Cumbernauld; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Associates is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Cumbernauld to design, analyse, and test rocket hardware from concept through manufacture. You’ll build 3D CAD models, perform FEA, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust mechanical solutions for high-performance systems.

Ideal candidates have a degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering and hands-on CAD/FEA experience with a bias toward practical problem-solving in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Strong mechanical design experience in a technically demanding environment.
• Experience designing and developing real-world mechanical components and hardware.
• Experience producing detailed CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or similar.
• Knowledge of structural analysis, stress calculations, and engineering fundamentals.
• Experience performing engineering calculations and FEA using tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar.
• Experience producing technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical engineering mindset.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and structural systems.
• Produce 3D CAD models, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Carry out engineering calculations, structural assessments, and stress analysis.
• Perform hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs.
• Support manufacture, integration, assembly, and testing of mechanical hardware.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical challenges.
• Support design reviews, verification activities, and engineering change processes.
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable.
• Investigate test results and implement design improvements where required.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD modeling

SolidWorks

FEA

Structural analysis

Engineering calculations

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Creo

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

Location:Cumbernauld, Glasgow

Sector: Space & Aerospace

We're recruiting for an innovative space company that designs, manufactures, tests, and launches rockets, helping small satellite operators gain reliable access to space.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll help design, analyse, and test launch vehicle hardware, supporting projects from initial concept through to manufacture and testing. You'll work with a highly skilled engineering team developing cutting-edge rocket technology. Previous space industry experience isn't required.

We're keen to hear from engineers from aerospace, defence, motorsport, automotive, and other advanced engineering sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and structural systems.
• Produce 3D CAD models, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Carry out engineering calculations, structural assessments, and stress analysis.
• Perform hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs.
• Support the manufacture, integration, assembly, and testing of mechanical hardware.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve technical challenges.
• Support design reviews, verification activities, and engineering change processes.
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.
• Investigate test results and implement design improvements where required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Strong mechanical design experience within a technically demanding engineering environment.
• Experience designing and developing real-world mechanical components and hardware.
• Experience producing detailed CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or similar.
• Knowledge of structural analysis, stress calculations, and engineering fundamentals.
• Experience carrying out engineering calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar.
• Experience producing technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical engineering mindset.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desirable

• 3-7 years' experience in mechanical, aerospace, structural, or stress engineering.
• Experience delivering mechanical design solutions, structural substantiation, or engineering analysis within a regulated engineering environment.
• Aerospace, defence, space, motorsport, automotive, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Exposure to hardware development, integration, assembly, verification, qualification, or testing activities.
• Understanding of aerospace standards, certification, or regulated engineering processes.
• Experience working with suppliers and supporting manufacturing activities.
• Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting experience.
• Experience acting as a technical interface between engineering disciplines and stakeholders.

Please note: Previous space industry experience is not required. We're particularly interested in engineers from aerospace and other high-performance engineering sectors who are looking to apply their skills within the rapidly growing space industry