Mechanical Design Engineer - Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)

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

Job summary

SYOS is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Fareham to design and develop mechanical systems for uncrewed surface vessels, taking concepts through prototyping, testing and production.

You will create detailed 3D models and drawings with SolidWorks, apply DFMA principles, perform FEA and simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers and cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, cost‑effective marine solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience in mechanical design of electro-mechanical or complex engineered systems.
• Proven experience with mechanical design for USVs, marine systems, vehicles or similar platforms.
• Strong experience with SolidWorks CAD.
• Industry experience with FEA and structural analysis.
• Strong understanding of DFMA, materials and manufacturing processes.

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.
• Stay current with new technologies, materials and manufacturing techniques relevant to autonomous systems.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

FEA

DFMA

Job description

Build What Matters

At SYOS, we’re building the next generation of autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea. Our UK maritime team is growing, and we’re looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our expanding Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) capability in Fareham. This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design and development of advanced uncrewed vessels, taking mechanical systems from concept and design through prototyping, testing and production.

Build What Matters

At SYOS, we’re building the next generation of autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea. Our UK maritime team is growing, and we’re looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our expanding Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) capability in Fareham. This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design and development of advanced uncrewed vessels, taking mechanical systems from concept and design through prototyping, testing and production.

What You’ll Do

• 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.
• Stay current with new technologies, materials and manufacturing techniques relevant to autonomous systems.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience in mechanical design of electro-mechanical or complex engineered systems.
• Proven experience with mechanical design for USVs, marine systems, vehicles or similar platforms.
• Strong experience with SolidWorks CAD.
• Industry experience with FEA and structural analysis.
• Strong understanding of DFMA, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong 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.

Why SYOS?

You’ll join a growing team working on real autonomous systems, with the opportunity to influence designs from the early concept stage through to production and deployment. At SYOS, we believe in high ownership, practical engineering and moving quickly from idea to reality.

Build it. Test it. Deploy it.

Security Requirement

To be eligible for this role, you must be able to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This includes confirming your identity, legal right to work in the UK, recent employment history, and criminal record (unspent convictions only).

We are not accepting unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies. Any CVs sent without prior agreement, including those shared directly with hiring managers, will be considered gifted and no fees will be payable.