Mechanical Design Engineer

First Military Recruitment Ltd; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EMI Share Options

Pension

Healthcare

Flexible working

Job summary

First Military Recruitment are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join a start-up developing state-of-the-art Counter-UAS systems. You will help move an existing prototype toward a robust, deployable end-to-end solution, working across mechanical, electrical and wider systems interfaces.

Ex-military candidates are strongly encouraged; REME, RAF or Royal Navy backgrounds are particularly relevant. The role offers a path to founding engineer status as the company grows and a flexible work

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Design Engineer or similar.
• Strong mechanical engineering and design capability.
• Understanding of electrical systems and how they integrate with mechanical components.
• Experience in defence/aerospace or similarly demanding environments is advantageous.
• Ex-military backgrounds encouraged, including REME/RAF/Royal Navy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine mechanical design and structures for Counter-UAS system.
• Develop concepts and prototypes into robust, deployable solutions.
• Ensure integration across mechanical and electrical interfaces.
• Support integration of sensors, cameras and detection technologies.
• Take ownership from concept through to completion and work with suppliers.

Skills

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Engineering

Systems Engineering

Independent worker

Prototype development

Defence engineering

Job description

JMB55 - Mechanical Design Engineer (Counter-UAS)

Location: Market Harborough

Salary: £60, + EMI Share Options

Working Pattern: 4 days in the office / 1 day from home

Benefits: Pension + Healthcare

Start Date: 1st November 2026(Flexibility)

Overview

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a really exciting position, the candidate will be apart of a start up business developing state of the art Counter UAS Systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing technology business at a pivotal stage of its development, with the successful candidate having the opportunity to become one of the founding engineers as the company continues to develop its cutting-edge Counter-UAS system.

The successful candidate will be responsible for helping take an existing prototype through the next stage of development, working across the mechanical, electrical and wider systems engineering interfaces to develop a robust and deployable end-to-do solution.

Our client is particularly keen to hear from ex-military personnel, particularly those from REME, RAF, Royal Navy, aircraft technician, aviation, aerospace or Defence engineering backgrounds.

This role would suit an engineer who is practical, technically capable and comfortable working independently in a start-up environment where processes and solutions are still being developed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the mechanical design and structures surrounding the Counter-UAS system.
• Take existing concepts and prototypes and develop them into more robust and deployable solutions.
• Work across the mechanical and electrical interface to ensure effective system integration.
• Support the integration of acoustic sensors, thermal cameras and other detection technologies.
• Contribute to the development of systems capable of detecting and identifying drone activity.
• Support the integration and deployment of an interceptor drone capability based on signals received by the system.
• Develop mechanical components, structures and assemblies.
• Work hands‑on with prototypes, testing and development.
• Identify engineering challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers where required.
• Carry out testing, evaluation and iterative improvements to existing designs.
• Take ownership of engineering tasks from concept through to completion.
• Contribute to the wider systems engineering requirements of the product.
• Help develop engineering processes as the business continues to grow.
• Work closely with the wider team to turn concepts and ideas into functioning technology.

Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Systems Engineer or similar.
• Strong mechanical engineering and design capability.
• Good understanding of electrical systems and engineering principles.
• Ability to understand how mechanical, electrical and electronic components integrate within a wider system.
• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, Aviation or a technically demanding engineering environment would be highly advantageous.
• Aircraft Technician / Aircraft Engineer experience would be particularly relevant.
• Ex-military engineering backgrounds are strongly encouraged, including REME, RAF and Royal Navy.
• Experience working with prototypes, product development or new technology would be advantageous.
• Strong practical problem‑solving ability.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of engineering tasks.
• Adaptable approach with the ability to work outside of a narrowly defined job role.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work from concept through to completion.

Benefits

• £60, salary.
• EMI Share Options.
• Pension.
• Healthcare.
• Flexible working - 4 days in the office / 1 day working from home.
• Opportunity to become one of the founding engineers within a growing technology business.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge Counter-UAS technology.
• Significant opportunity to influence the development of the product and engineering function.

Our client is particularly keen to hear from ex-military personnel - however, all suitably qualified candidates will be given due consideration