Mechanical Group Leader

Chess Dynamics; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Group pension plan with matched contributions

Wellbeing initiatives, including mental health support

Excellent learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Chess Dynamics, based in Horsham, is looking for a Mechanical Group Leader to oversee a team of engineers developing advanced electromechanical systems. This position provides the chance to lead innovation in defence technology, ensuring engineering excellence and compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum 2.1 Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering, extensive project delivery experience, and a proven track record in design analysis.

Join us to shape critical systems employed worldwide, with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in design and successful project delivery of complex mechanisms.
• Several years of experience in leadership roles.
• Experience designing for harsh environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers.
• Support sales by deriving mechanical requirements and proposing solutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Leadership

Design Analysis

Project Delivery

Continuous Improvement

SolidWorks

Education

2.1 Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

FEA software

Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)

Job description

Join a business at the forefront of defence innovation, where precision engineering directly enables mission-critical surveillance, fire-control, and radar positioning systems used around the world. As Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will have the opportunity to lead and inspire a talented team of engineers developing sophisticated electro-mechanical systems for some of the most demanding land and maritime environments.

As the Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will play a critical role in overseeing and guiding a team of talented mechanical engineers. Your leadership, technical expertise and application of mechanical engineering design principles will drive the successful development, and implementation, of cutting-edge electromechanical systems. You will ensure that your team adheres to the highest standards of engineering excellence and compliance and engaging in tactical and strategic growth of the team as it evolves to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Providing technical guidance and support to team members, assisting with complex problem-solving and decision-making
• Leadership and continuous improvement of mechanical team tools, training and processes
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. Engage in staff development to ensure all direct and indirect reports are appropriately supported with 1:1s, mentoring and personal development planning.
• Support the sales team function, derive mechanical requirements, propose concept solutions and provide plans and estimates for bid submission.
• Support Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs) in the resourcing and management of all aspects of mechanical design activity including identifying resource needs and lead recruitment activities for the Mechanical team.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, electronics and electrical engineers, to ensure seamless integration system components.
• Provide input to engineering team goals and objectives and associated strategic planning.
• Keep the business up to date with latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring your team remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and defence industry standards throughout the development and deployment of systems design activities.

The Successful Applicant will:

• Minimum 2.1 Hons degree Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline
• Extensive experience in design and successful project delivery of complex mechanisms and structures on multi-disciplinary projects (mechanical, electronics, software) of the full system lifecycle
• Several years experience in leadership roles of projects and personnel
• Have experience in design analysis and performance calculations (FEA, environmental, load bearing structures, etc)
• Experience of designing equipment for use in harsh environments
• in the preparation of bids and interfacing with customers for new business
• Demonstrable experience in innovation and new concept designs
• Demonstrable drive for continuous improvement
• Broad understanding and experience of manufacturing techniques such as machining, sheeting metal forming, casting, fabrication and moulding techniques.
• Experience of working with common electromechanical drive mechanisms (motors/gearboxes/ballscrews…etc)
• Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical requirements and components
• Have experience of using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM
• Have previous experience in a similar level position in a ‘Senior’ level role, preferably in a small or medium-sized company and/or relevant business model.
• Extensive experience working with the SolidWorks toolset and environment
• Chartered engineer with relevant professional institution
• Familiarity with Atlassian tool suite for task management (Jira/Confluence)

Personal Attributes

• Have the ability to liaise with customers verbally and in writing in an effective manner
• Have excellent stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
• Be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders to understand diverse and complex requirements.
• Have the ability to fit in and work well both in a team, working autonomously when required.
• Demonstrates company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage
• Highly organised and methodical approach, with an eye for detail
• A flexible, conscientious, and diligent attitude
• A resilient and adaptable approach at all times

Work Life Balance

• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 6%
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
• Regular sports and social activities
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.