Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

STARK; Swindon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Swindon is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to drive the mechanical architecture of UAV platforms. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and work cross-functionally to deliver reliable systems. Strong expertise in SolidWorks is required. The role offers a full-time position with competitive salary and the chance to be part of an innovative team focused on enhancing defense technology.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in mechanical design from concept to production.
• Expertise in SolidWorks and tolerance stack analysis is essential.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and various manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for UAV platforms.
• Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling and GD&T.
• Drive airframe material selection and structural layout.

Skills

SolidWorks

Tolerance stack analysis

3D printing

Composites knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Tools

CAD software

SolidWorks/CATIA

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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Overview

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software‑defined, mass‑scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high‑performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Mission

As our Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of STARK’s next‑generation UAV platforms from concept to high‑rate production. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and work closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver highly reliable, certifiable, and field‑deployable systems under aggressive timelines. You will both define mechanical design strategy and dive deep into CAD, tolerance stacks, and Design for Manufacture/Assembly (DFMA) prototypes. You will act as the company’s authority on mechanical design for airframes and payload integration, influencing platform‑level decisions and ensuring designs are robust, scalable, cost‑effective for mass production, and certifiable.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for UK current and future UAV platforms
• Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack‑ups
• Drive airframe material selection, structural layout, and manufacturability decisions
• Oversee supplier engagement for structural components, composites, and assemblies
• Collaborate with stress, flight test, and systems teams to ensure structural integrity
• Support and occasionally lead design reviews with leadership, partners, and certifying authorities
• Be hands‑on with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), prototyping, and shop‑floor troubleshooting

Qualifications

• Proven record of taking structures from concept through verification to high‑rate production (wing, fuselage, empennage)
• Expert in SolidWorks (CATIA V5/V6 a plus) and tolerance stack analysis
• Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, injection moulding, and joining methods
• Familiarity with MIL standards and EASA/FAA certification pathways (SC‑Light UAS, CS‑23)
• Excellent communication skills — able to influence at exec and program level
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

• Design and Engineering
• Defense and Space Manufacturing
• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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Location: Swindon, England, United Kingdom