Mechanical Design Engineer

Stark Defence; Swindon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company in Swindon is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the mechanical architecture of next-generation UAV platforms. This role involves designing major assemblies and ensuring high-rate production while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have experience in mechanical design, proficiency in CAD tools like SolidWorks, and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes. Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in mechanical design, ideally within aerospace or UAVs.
• A proven track record of taking designs from concept to production.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes like 3D printing and injection molding.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies for UAV platforms.
• Optimize designs for high-rate production.
• Collaborate with multiple teams to ensure design integrity.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

CAD proficiency

Communication skills

Knowledge of composites

Production mindset

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today.

Your mission

As aMechanical Design Engineerat STARK, you will be a key contributor to the mechanical architecture of our next-generation UAV platforms. This isn't a role for someone who wants to stay behind a desk; you will take subsystems from initial concept through to high-rate production, working closely with our manufacturing facilities.

You’ll be the bridge between ambitious design and reality, diving deep into CAD and Design for Manufacture (DFM). You will work within an agile, cross-functional team to ensure our airframes are robust, cost-effective, and ready for the field.

Responsibilities

• Design & Execute: Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for current and future UAV platforms.
• DFM Focus: Optimise designs for high-rate production, ensuring we can scale from prototype to hundreds of units without compromising quality.
• Technical Rigor: Apply best practices in parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure "first-time-right" assembly.
• Material Innovation: Drive decisions on airframe materials, structural layouts, and manufacturing processes (composites, additive, etc.).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to ensure structural integrity and successful flight trials.
• Prototyping: Be hands-on with CAD, rapid prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting to iterate designs at pace.

Qualifications

• Experience: Professional experience in mechanical design, ideally within aerospace, UAVs, automotive, or autonomous systems.
• Production Mindset: A proven track record of taking parts or structures from a sketch through to verification and into production.
• CAD Expert: Highly proficient in SolidWorks (CATIA experience is also beneficial).
• Technical Breadth: Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, and injection molding.
• Standard Aware: Familiarity with (or a desire to learn) MIL standards and certification pathways.
• Communication: Ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both engineering peers and program leadership.
• Security: Must be eligible forUK Security Clearance.