Mechanical Design Engineer – Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)

Matchtech; Fareham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Cutting‑edge autonomous marine systems

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

Matchtech seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer in Fareham to develop advanced USV-based systems from concept to production. You will create detailed 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks, select materials and processes, and perform FEA to validate designs.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers and cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, cost‑effective solutions for autonomous marine platforms, working on cutting‑edge maritime technology.

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical design of electro–mechanical or complex engineered systems.
• Strong SolidWorks CAD experience for 3D models and drawings.
• Significant understanding of FEA and structural analysis.
• Proficiency in DFMA principles, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Excellent communication skills when working with engineering, production and external suppliers.
• A genuine interest in uncrewed vehicles, robotics and autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for uncrewed surface vessels from concept through to production.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes using DFMA principles.
• Perform structural analysis, FEA, and simulations to validate and optimise designs.
• Support prototyping, build, testing, and evaluation, incorporating design improvements based on results.
• Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to deliver practical, cost–effective designs.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners on component and material selection.
• Identify and resolve technical and design challenges throughout the product lifecycle.

Skills

SolidWorks CAD

FEA/Structural analysis

DFMA

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

FEA software

Job description

Our client, a leader in the defence and security industry specialising in maritime technology, is currently seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team in Fareham. This permanent, full–time position focuses on developing advanced Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), playing a crucial role in the next generation of autonomous marine systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop mechanical systems for uncrewed surface vessels from concept through to production
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks
• Select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes using DFMA principles
• Perform structural analysis, FEA, and simulations to validate and optimise designs
• Support prototyping, build, testing, and evaluation, incorporating design improvements based on results
• Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to deliver practical, cost–effective designs
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners on component and material selection
• Identify and resolve technical and design challenges throughout the product lifecycle

Job Requirements:

• Experience in mechanical design of electro–mechanical or complex engineered systems
• Strong experience with SolidWorks CAD for 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings
• Significant understanding of FEA and structural analysis
• Proficiency in DFMA principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Excellent analytical and problem–solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team
• Excellent communication skills when working with engineering, production, and external suppliers
• A genuine interest in uncrewed vehicles, robotics, and autonomous systems

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work on cutting–edge autonomous marine systems
• Professional development and continuous learning
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Comprehensive employee benefits package