Mechanical Design Engineer (Test Rigs)

Alten; Sharnford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle & Tech Scheme

Life Insurance

Pension Scheme

Team events

Job summary

ALTEN in Loughborough is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer (Test rigs) to design and deliver test rigs, frames and interfaces for aerospace engineering projects. The role blends mechanical design with hands-on workshop work from concept to build, testing and troubleshooting.

The position suits junior to mid-level engineers, offering exposure to lab facilities, multidisciplinary teams, and opportunities to improve test equipment safety, reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent military experience.
• Experience supporting engineering projects from concept through testing and validation.
• Knowledge of engineering design principles and product development processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop test rigs, test frames, and integration interfaces for laboratory and test facilities
• Produce 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to support manufacturing and assembly
• Support the build and assembly of test equipment within workshop environments
• Conduct testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities on prototype and test systems
• Work closely with test, systems, and manufacturing engineers to deliver effective validation solutions
• Support design reviews and implement improvements based on test results and operational feedback
• Ensure test equipment is designed with safety, reliability, and maintainability in mind
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test facilities and engineering processes

Skills

Mechanical design

Test rigs design

Workshop assembly

Engineering drawings

DFM/Manufacturing

Problem solving

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Equivalent military experience

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Job Description

As a Mechanical Design Engineer (Test rigs) you will join our Loughborough team to support our activities within the Aerospace engineering and advanced technology sector.

You will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of test rigs, test frames, and integration interfaces used to validate cutting-edge engineering products. This is a hands-on role that combines mechanical design with practical workshop activities, offering the opportunity to support projects from concept through to build, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Location: Loughborough
• On Site: Full-time
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Junior to mid level (2-5 YOE)

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop test rigs, test frames, and integration interfaces for laboratory and test facilities
• Produce 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to support manufacturing and assembly
• Support the build and assembly of test equipment within workshop environments
• Conduct testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities on prototype and test systems
• Work closely with test, systems, and manufacturing engineers to deliver effective validation solutions
• Support design reviews and implement improvements based on test results and operational feedback
• Ensure test equipment is designed with safety, reliability, and maintainability in mind
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test facilities and engineering processes

Required Skills

• Strong mechanical design engineering experience
• Experience designing test rigs, fixtures, test frames, or laboratory equipment
• Hands-on experience with workshop assembly and mechanical integration activities
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and prototype development
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues during testing and commissioning
• Experience producing detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Experience supporting engineering projects from concept through testing and validation
• Knowledge of engineering design principles and product development processes

Desirable Skills

• Experience within aerospace, automotive, motorsport, or advanced engineering environments
• Experience with CAD tools such as Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or Creo
• Understanding of instrumentation, data acquisition, and test methodologies
• Experience with structural analysis or Design for Manufacture (DfM)
• Familiarity with prototype development and low-volume manufacturing

Additional Information

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.