Radar Mechanical Design Lead

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 86,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading defense systems provider is seeking a Future Radar Mechanical Design Authority in Isle of Wight. This senior mechanical engineering role focuses on leading design and development for complex radar systems. Candidates should have expertise in mechanical engineering and a track record in mechanical design. The role offers a competitive salary and flexible benefits including private health plans and discounted lifestyle benefits.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible health benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Demonstrable expertise in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in mechanical design projects.
• Ability to interpret requirements into design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out detailed mechanical design and analysis.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure design alignment.
• Act as the Mechanical Design Authority.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Thermal Systems

Structures

CFD

FEA

Propulsion

Education

Chartered Engineer status or equivalent experience

Tools

Modelling and simulation tools

Job description

Overview

Job title: Future Radar Mechanical Design Authority

Location: Isle of Wight – Cowes or Portsmouth – Broad Oak – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role. Salary: Up to £85,700 (dependent on skills and experience) Part time & accruing hours available. Please let us know if you would like to discuss these options. This is a senior mechanical engineering role focused on leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems for a cutting-edge technology demonstrator.

What you’ll be doing

• Carry out detailed mechanical design and analysis activities to support the development of a complex new product
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical solutions align with overall system requirements
• Act as the Mechanical Design Authority, providing expert-level input across the full product lifecycle
• Apply subject matter expertise in key mechanical areas such as thermal management, structural integrity, or material selection
• Ensure design compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal processes
• Support design reviews, technical assessments, and the implementation of design changes as needed

Qualifications

• Demonstrable subject matter expertise in at least one area of Mechanical Engineering (e.g. thermal systems, structures, CFD, FEA, or propulsion), with the ability to provide authoritative technical input
• Proven experience in complex mechanical design, including the design, build, integration, and testing of advanced mechanical systems or products
• Ability to collate, interpret and translate requirements into effective mechanical design solutions throughout the engineering lifecycle
• Familiarity with modelling and simulation tools used for mechanical analysis, such as those assessing structural behaviour under static and dynamic loads
• Comfortable working within engineering governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, processes, and best practices
• Ideally holds Chartered Engineer status or has equivalent experience and qualifications in a mechanical engineering discipline

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

About the team and culture

The NGRD Mechanical team: At BAE Systems we are revolutionising radar technology, delivering world-class products and the next- capability that keeps the UK at the forefront of defence innovation. Our workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site.

Our mission and environment

Our mission is clear: to equip our customers with the most advanced and capable systems available, through which we invest and build the UK’s sovereign capability for Radar. We operate in a highly collaborative environment where what we do really matters.

Equal opportunity and accessibility

We’re inclusive and value diversity. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Some required security restrictions apply; all applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Some roles require higher levels of Security Vetting.

Closing Date: 26 September 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

To apply, please submit your application as early as possible. LI-TP1 LI-Onsite