Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders)

MEPJOBS UK; Wroughton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bronze ERS Award

Job summary

STARK is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to shape the mechanical architecture of next‑generation UAV platforms. You will take subsystems from concept through high‑rate production, working closely with manufacturing and cross‑functional teams.

You’ll apply CAD, DFM, GD&T and material selection to deliver robust, cost‑effective airframes ready for field trials; prior aerospace/UAV experience and UK security clearance eligibility are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in mechanical design within aerospace/UAV/autonomous systems.
• Proven track record taking parts from sketch through verification and into production.
• Proficient in CAD tools and DFМ principles.
• Familiarity with MIL standards and certification pathways.
• Ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for UAV platforms.
• Optimise designs for high-rate production and scalable manufacturing.
• Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis to ensure first-time-right assembly.
• Lead material selection and manufacturing process decisions (composites, additive, etc.).
• Collaborate with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to ensure structural integrity and flight readiness.
• Hands-on CAD work, rapid prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting.

Skills

Aerospace design

UAV systems

Design for Manufacture

GD&T

Structural analysis

Security clearance eligibility

Explain technical trade-offs

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

3D Printing

Injection Molding

Machining

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.

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.

About The Team – 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 moulding.
• 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 a Bronze 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.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.