Senior Mechanical Design engineer (Contractor)

Spire; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space-to-cloud analytics company in Glasgow is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and analyze mechanical systems for nano-satellites. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and expertise in CAD design, as well as experience with mechanical analysis and precision machined parts design. This role operates on a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three office days per week.

Benefits

Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)

Launch Attendance

Generous Time Off Policy

Education Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Family Leave

Fitness Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent course or work experience.
• Experience modelling and designing cable harnesses.
• Aerospace experience (desirable not essential).

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design of spacecraft components, mechanisms, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Preparation of detailed system documentation.
• Analysis of structural, thermal, and thermoelastic load cases.

Skills

Precision machined parts design

Mechanical analysis using hand calculations and FEA

Excellent CAD design and drafting

Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys

Job description

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be designing and analyzing the mechanical systems and payloads for our next‑generation nano‑satellites. You will work on a variety of satellite missions and will be intimately involved in vehicle design, test equipment design, satellite assembly, and mechanical environmental testing.

Scope of the role

• Mechanical design of spacecraft components, mechanisms and electro‑mechanical assemblies using SolidWorks
• Preparation of detailed system documentation
• Test fixture and ground support equipment development and deployment
• Analysis of structural, thermal, and thermoelastic load cases
• Peer reviews of mechanical drawings
• Providing production support to the manufacturing team
• Assisting other team members from multiple disciplines achieve their goals

Basic Qualifications / Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent course or work experience
• Precision machined parts design (including material & coating selection)
• Mechanical analysis using hand calculations and FEA
• Excellent CAD design and drafting experience
• Experience modelling and designing cable harnesses
• Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) principles
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Aerospace experience (desirable not essential)
• Environmental testing (vibration, thermal, thermal‑vacuum)
• SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys, or equivalent FEA package
• Thermal and thermoelastic analysis of mechanical systems
• Electromagnetic compatibility and EMI shielding
• Mechanical inspection techniques
• Electronics theory (communication interfaces, PCB layout principles)
• Basic software skills (C, Python, scripting)

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export‑controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

Global Perks

• 🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
• 🚀 Launch Attendance
• 🌴 Generous Time Off Policy
• 🎓 Education Assistance Program
• 🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• 👣 Family Leave
• 💪 Fitness Reimbursement
• 🧡 Employee Referral Program
• 🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space. Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Please take a moment to review Spire’s Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors, as well as Spire’s Privacy Policy.

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).