Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer

iO Associates; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship

Private healthcare

Job summary

iO Associates partner with an innovative space technology company to deliver next-generation satellite platforms. They seek a Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to own mechanical design across the full product lifecycle, from concept to launch and deployment.

You will design satellite structures, mechanisms and hardware, produce 3D CAD models and drawings, and support verification through prototyping and environmental testing.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in mechanical design within the space sector.
• Experience designing satellite structures, electromechanical systems, MGSE or related aerospace hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD packages such as SolidWorks or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and materials, structural mechanics, thermal management.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop satellite structures, mechanisms, and related hardware.
• Produce 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, interface control documents and technical documentation.
• Support programmes through concept development, qualification activities, testing and in-service operations.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, verification planning and technical assessments.
• Collaborate with systems, thermal, electrical and software engineering teams to integrate hardware into spacecraft.

Skills

Design

Manufacturability optimization

GD&T

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Prototyping & testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD packages

Job description

iO Associates are partnered with an innovative space technology company developing next-generation satellite platforms designed to push the boundaries of low Earth orbit operations. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer to join their rapidly expanding engineering team.This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge spacecraft technology, taking ownership of mechanical design activities throughout the full product lifecycle, from initial concept through to launch and operational deployment.

The Role

As a Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of satellite structures, mechanisms, and associated hardware. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will translate system requirements into robust, manufacturable designs and support validation through prototyping and environmental testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for satellite platforms, including primary structures, thermal control hardware, secondary structures, and deployment mechanisms.
• Produce 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, interface control documentsand associated technical documentation.
• Support programmes through concept development, qualification activities, testing and in-service operations.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, verification planning and technical assessments.
• Optimise designs with consideration for manufacturability, cost, mass, performance, and reliability.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure successful hardware delivery.
• Support assembly, integration, prototype builds and environmental test campaigns.
• Collaborate with systems, thermal, electrical and software engineering teams to successfully integrate hardware into spacecraft platforms.
• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineeringor a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in mechanical design within the space sector.
• Experience designing satellite structures, electromechanical systems, mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE), or similar aerospace hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD packages such as SolidWorks or equivalent.
• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T.
• Knowledge of materials, structural mechanics, FEA, thermal management and mechanical design best practices.
• Demonstrated experience taking hardware through design, build, test and validation activities.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to pioneering space technologies and next-generation spacecraft systems.
• Significant technical ownership and involvement across the full product lifecycle.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Private healthcare, including dental and optical cover.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship available where required.
• Career development within a fast-growing and highly innovative engineering environment.