Radar Mechanical Design Lead

ZipRecruiter; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 86,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Future Radar Mechanical Design Authority to lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems. This senior role requires strong expertise in mechanical engineering with responsibilities including detailed design activities, cross-functional collaboration, and compliance with industry standards. Competitive salary of up to £85,700 offered, with part-time options available.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible health benefits

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Demonstrable expertise in mechanical engineering fields.
• Proven experience designing and testing mechanical systems.
• Ability to translate requirements into design solutions.
• Familiar with structural behaviour assessment tools.
• Experience within engineering governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed mechanical design and analysis.
• Collaborate on aligning mechanical solutions with system requirements.
• Act as Mechanical Design Authority throughout product lifecycle.
• Ensure design compliance with industry standards.
• Support design reviews and implement necessary changes.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering expertise

Complex mechanical design

Thermal systems knowledge

Structural integrity

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. Salary: Up to £85,700 (dependent on skills and experience). Part time and accruing hours options available.

This is a senior mechanical engineering role focused on leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems for a cutting-edge technology demonstrator. The successful candidate will act as the Mechanical Design Authority, ensuring robust, compliant solutions throughout the full engineering lifecycle. They will have strong expertise in structural design, thermal systems, or other key mechanical domains, and will provide technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration across projects and the broader engineering community.

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 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

Your skills and experiences

• 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 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 location

The NGRD Mechanical team at BAE Systems is focused on revolutionising radar technology and delivering world-class products. Our workplace in Cowes is accessible from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and a BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site. We value career development, technical excellence, and real-world impact, and operate in a collaborative environment with strong customer backing.

We are on a growth journey with rich opportunities to develop, lead, and innovate. Join us and shape the future of radar technology. We work in the business of careers, not jobs — your future starts here.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you can make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values thought, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and strive for inclusive recruitment processes. If you have a health condition or disability that may affect performance in certain assessments, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Some roles require security and export control clearances; all applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard at minimum, and many 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. If you’re interested, please apply early.

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