Mechanical Design Engineer

Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A technical recruitment agency is seeking a Mechanical Design & Test Engineer in Glasgow to support a space-sector company with its orbital launch ambitions. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 10 years of industry experience and expertise in mechanical design, including proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or Autodesk). The role involves creating CAD models, leading design reviews, and developing test plans for complex electro-mechanical systems. This challenging position promises exposure to innovative technologies in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of industry experience in space, aerospace, or high-performance product design.
• Experience in creating CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
• Hands-on experience with hardware testing and integration.
• Eligibility to obtain UK BPSS security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with engineers.
• Develop and execute test plans for mechanical solutions.
• Analyse test results and support prototype builds.
• Apply DfX principles to support efficient manufacturing and servicing.
• Define and execute test plans (shock, vibration, thermal cycling, IP standards).
• Analyse test results, drive design improvements, and support prototype builds.
• Communicate complex technical information within a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

3D CAD

Mechanical design

Communication skills

Hardware testing

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Documentation

Clear communication

Education

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk

PDM Software

Job description

Job title: Mechanical Design & Test Engineer

Location: Glasgow

We’re working with an innovative and fast-growing space-sector company that is looking to appoint a Mechanical Design & Test Engineer to support its orbital launch ambitions.

This role would suit an experienced engineer (typically 5–10 years’ industry experience) from the space, aerospace, or high-performance product design sectors, or someone with highly transferable skills and a hands-on mindset.

The Role

You’ll be involved across the full product lifecycle from concept and detailed design through to build, integration, and rigorous testing. The work is varied, technically challenging, and highly collaborative.

You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of technologies and techniques, including:

• Composites fabrication
• Product development and prototyping
• Integration and system-level testing

Key Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings (SolidWorks / Autodesk)
• Lead and contribute to design reviews (internal and external)
• Collaborate with electronics engineers on subsystem integration (PCBs, sensors, comms hardware)
• Develop mechanical solutions across structures, propulsion, thermal management, and safety systems
• Apply DfX principles to support efficient manufacturing and servicing
• Define and execute test plans (shock, vibration, thermal cycling, IP standards)
• Analyse test results, drive design improvements, and support prototype builds
• Communicate complex technical information within a multi-disciplinary team
• BEng (Hons) or higher in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong background in mechanical design for complex electro-mechanical products
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and PDM software
• Hands-on hardware testing experience
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (CNC, injection moulding, sheet metal, 3D printing)
• Ability to obtain and hold UK security clearance (BPSS)
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills