Mechanical Engineer

Manpower UK Ltd; Filton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Mechanical Engineer for a hands-on role in robotics R&D based in Filton, UK. The position involves supporting multi-disciplinary teams in design, prototyping, and testing. Ideal candidates will have strong CAD and workshop skills, with experience in engineering verification and validation. This role offers a competitive rate of up to £50/hour, with a commitment to on-site work, primarily in Bristol, for 12 months.

Qualifications

• Experience in CAD and technical drawings.
• Hands-on skills with basic hand and power tools.
• Experience in prototype testing and validation.
• Ability to work in fast-moving teams.

Responsibilities

• Support mechanical and electro-mechanical test work.
• Build and test prototypes and test rigs.
• Create and review technical documentation.
• Support occasional UK travel for on-site testing.

Skills

Strong experience with CAD and technical drawings

Hands-on workshop skills

Experience of engineering verification and validation

Background in R&D-style environment

Experience working in small engineering teams

Tools

3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor)

3D printing (FDM / SLA)

Basic electronics lab equipment

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Robotics R&D

Location: Bristol (4-5 days per week)

Duration: 12 Months

Rate: Up to £50/hour (Inside IR35 - Umbrella only)

The role

You will support mechanical and electro‑mechanical R&D across design, prototyping, and testing, combining hands‑on workshop activity with 3D CAD and technical documentation. You will work closely with multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, helping to take concepts through rapid prototyping, verification and validation, and on‑wing product testing.

Key responsibilities

• Support in‑house engineering and production teams with mechanical and electro‑mechanical test work (including thermal and robotic apparatus).
• Build and test prototypes, jigs and test rigs, including workshop, QA and 3D printing activities.
• Create and review 3D CAD models and drawings (Autodesk Inventor), BoMs, SOPs, QA and build notes.
• Produce clear technical documentation and reports, and communicate technical requirements to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Support occasional UK travel to GE MRO sites for on‑site product testing.

Essential experience

• Strong experience with CAD and technical drawings.
• Hands‑on workshop skills with basic hand and power tools.
• Experience of engineering verification and validation, particularly development and prototype testing.
• Background in an R&D‑style environment and electro‑mechanical test design, setup and execution.
• Experience working in small, fast‑moving engineering teams.

Desirable skills and traits

• 3D printing (FDM / SLA).
• Basic electronics (soldering, wiring, use of lab equipment such as power supplies and oscilloscopes).
• Positive, self‑motivated and flexible, with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong focus on tidiness, organisation and precision in all tasks.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in a hands‑on mechanical role within a cutting‑edge aerospace robotics team, please apply with your CV and availability.