Mechanical Design Engineer

Thales; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global space manufacturer is seeking a Design Engineer to create mechanical designs for propulsion subsystems. The ideal candidate must have experience with CAD software (preferably CATIA) and possess an engineering degree. Strong skills in mechanical design, knowledge of drawing standards, and familiarity with security clearance processes are essential. This role offers opportunities for career development in a diverse team environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Inclusive recruitment process

Qualifications

• Good general knowledge of mechanical design and conception.
• Experience in a multi-discipline team environment.
• Experience in the Space domain.

Responsibilities

• Generate Mechanical designs of parts and assemblies.
• Prepare/update subsystem CAD models.
• Manage interfaces with other areas of the spacecraft.

Skills

Mechanical design

3-D CAD software (CATIA)

Knowledge of drawing standards

Geometric Tolerancing

Soft skills (PowerPoint, Excel)

Education

Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

ENOVIA

Job description

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators) therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

As a Design Engineer, you will be expected to generate the Mechanical and Thermal designs of parts and assemblies needed for space project propulsion sub-systems and equipment. Part of your tasks will entail to:

• Prepare/update subsystem CAD models and review materials through the different project life cycle milestones & reviews (PDR, CDR, QR etc).
• Demonstrates design engineering knowledge to achieve critical project outcomes to time, cost and quality.
• Cover activities such as integrated product design, requirements management, interfaces management, customer’s needs analysis, product design definition.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Using the necessary CAD software (Catia V5/V6), generate Mechanical designs of parts and assemblies needed for space project equipment, sub-systems, systems and GSE.
• Participate in design trade-off activities.
• Manage the tree structure of the product, using the appropriate PLM tool if necessary (ie, Enovia).
• Ensure the management of drawing activities within constraints provided by the Project Manager, the Architect, and the Project Design Authority.
• Manage the status, versions and issues of parts and assemblies.
• Manage interfaces with other areas of the spacecraft, such as other modules, structures or equipment.
• Generate 2-D drawings for parts, assemblies and interface definition.
• Ensures that the design process considers assembly processes and tooling capability.
• Generate manufacturing and assembly file, and manage the plans for assembly and integration.
• Generate files needed for analysis inputs.
• Generate BoMs.
• Assess new suppliers, materials, components, data, software and methods for spacecraft Mechanical and Thermal Engineering.
• Generate the documents and review materials needed to support projects and reviews.
• Check designs (their own and others) for the completeness and correctness of information, tolerance build-ups and assembly/integration sequences.

Key Performance Indicators:

KPIs for the role will be specifically developed with the role holder, however these will cover:

• Delivery of design solution and associated documentation within the constraints of Project schedules and resources.
• Meeting project milestones.
• Quality of documentation.

Experience and Skills The following is necessary for the role:

• Good general knowledge of mechanical design and conception.
• Working knowledge and experience of 3-D CAD software (CATIA preferred) and ENOVIA.
• Knowledge of relevant drawing standards (ie, BS 8888).
• Knowledge of Geometric Tolerancing best practice.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques (conventional and advanced) and how these affect the design and drawings.
• Soft skills – Power point, Excel etc

The following would be an asset:

• Experience of working in a multi-discipline team environment with project pressures.
• Experience dealing with customers, partners, suppliers’ interface
• Experience in the Space domain.
• Experience with some of the following specific CAD modules:
• Sheetmetal
• Pipe routing
• Harnessing
• ALM design
• Cinematics
• Composite panel and insert design

Education & Qualifications:

• Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant experience.

The following would be an asset:

• A Master’s or higher degree.
• Membership of a professional Institution

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

#LI-DB1

In line with Thales\' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!