Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders)

Stark Defence; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bronze ERS Award

Job summary

STARK is a defence tech company specialising in autonomous UAV platforms. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll drive the mechanical architecture from concept to high-rate production, collaborating with manufacturing to ensure robust, cost-effective airframes ready for field deployment.

You’ll work in an agile, cross-functional team and apply CAD, DFx practices, materials selection and manufacturing processes to achieve first-time-right assemblies for current and future UAVs.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in mechanical design, ideally within aerospace, UAVs, automotive or autonomous systems.
• Proven track record of taking parts from sketch through verification and into production.
• SolidWorks proficiency; CATIA experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining and injection molding.
• Familiarity with MIL standards and certification pathways.
• Ability to explain complex trade-offs to peers and leadership.
• UK Security Clearance eligibility is required.

Responsibilities

• Own major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for current and future UAVs.
• Optimize designs for high-rate production and scalable manufacturing.
• Apply parametric modeling, GD&T and tolerance analysis to ensure first-time-right assembly.
• Decide on airframe materials, structural layouts and manufacturing processes (composites, additive, etc.).
• Collaborate with Stress, Flight Test and Systems teams to verify structural integrity.
• Hands-on CAD, rapid prototyping and shop-floor troubleshooting to iterate designs.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace

3D printing

GD&T

Aerospace

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Machining

Injection molding

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 a Mechanical Design Engineer at 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

• Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for current and future UAV platforms.


• Optimise designs for high-rate production, ensuring we can scale from prototype to hundreds of units without compromising quality.


• Apply best practices in parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure "first-time-right" assembly.


• Drive decisions on airframe materials, structural layouts, and manufacturing processes (composites, additive, etc.).


• Partner with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to ensure structural integrity and successful flight trials.


• Be hands-on with CAD, rapid prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting to iterate designs at pace.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in mechanical design, ideally within aerospace, UAVs, automotive, light aircrafts or autonomous systems.


• A proven track record of taking parts or structures from a sketch through to verification and into production.


• Highly proficient in SolidWorks(CATIA experience is also beneficial).


• Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, and injection molding.


• Familiarity with (or a desire to learn) MIL standards and certification pathways.


• Ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both engineering peers and program leadership.


• Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community We are proud to hold theBronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), reflecting our meaningful commitment and ongoing support for UK defence personnel. At our core, we believe in championing those who serve, those who have served, and their families. As part of this scheme, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive and bring their invaluable skills to our team.