Senior Mechanical Engineer

CMS2 - Critical Maritime Systems & Support; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Portsmouth is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design and development of complex systems. You will mentor junior staff, ensure adherence to engineering standards, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering and be proficient in SolidWorks. This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and development.
• Experience within a design office, and understanding of legislative compliance.
• Professional presentation and confident communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for complex systems and ensure manufacturability.
• Produce engineering drawings per BS.8888 using CAD software.
• Collaborate with project managers to align activities with requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design and development

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Proficiency in SolidWorks

CFD and FEA expertise

Education

Degree Level in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Department: Mechanical Engineering
Location: Portsmouth

Join to apply for the Senior Mechanical Engineer role at CMS2 - Critical Maritime Systems & Support.

Senior Mechanical Engineers lead the mechanical design and development of complex systems, providing technical direction and oversight throughout the product lifecycle.

This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, simulation and analysis capabilities. A strong focus on innovation, reliability, manufacturing techniques and quality control. The Senior Engineer is expected to mentor junior staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that all mechanical designs align with organisational goals, applicable standards, and regulatory requirements.

This role involves applying fundamental engineering principles to solve technical challenges, improve product performance, and ensure manufacturability. The engineer will work and lead collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality mechanical solutions that meet project requirements and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for producing engineering drawings in accordance with BS.8888 using CAD software. All drawings to be produced to a high standard of accuracy and clarity.
• Undertaking compliance-based assessments for a variety of certification and associated approvals.
• Controlling and developing the selection approach of components to meet customer defined specifications, leading to creation of procurement specifications.
• Support and creation of project specific documentation, including but not limited to: ILS, RCM, RAM, Design Reports, Operating Manuals.
• Safety assessments.
• Risk assessments.
• FMEAs.
• Design reviews.
• Design calculations.
• Reliability calculations.
• Creation of activity and test plans.
• Leading and attending design and project meetings.
• Leading and participating in system reviews, verification and validation activities.
• Responsible for producing and overseeing technical content of engineering drawings relating to project definitions that you are assigned.
• Communication with design and technical authority and project engineers throughout the term of the projects.
• Close collaboration with Project Managers to ensure that activities undertaken align with the customer requirements and project deliverables, creating elements of and feeding into project plans for agreed scopes of work.
• Reporting on the content and progress of projects to the Engineering Team Lead.
• Leading and participating in the design and development activities for mechanical engineering, supporting software activities, specifications, standards and other company documents.
• Ensuring and reviewing company technical requirements and relevant professional standards and codes of practice are maintained and adhered to.
• Reviewing, updating and maintaining parts details, sub‑assemblies and bill of materials.
• Applying the change procedure for drawings, specifications and documents, undertaking impact assessments and giving final technical approval to mechanical designs or changes.

General Activities

• Carry out any other ad‑hoc duties as required to support the needs of the business.
• Follow company procedures, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain continuous professional development to ensure knowledge is up to date.
• Act as an ambassador for the company in all interactions with customers and the public.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We are looking for an experienced and hands‑on, enthusiastic Mechanical Engineer to join our group of world class employees. If successful, you will have the unique opportunity to work on world leading systems supporting our clients to deliver best in class technology. You will have a passion for engineering and will use a combination of innovation, leadership skills, flexibility, and technical excellence to meet and exceed our customers’ often demanding requirements and tight development timescales.

Essential Qualifications

• >5 years of experience in mechanical design and development.
• Educated to Degree Level in relevant discipline (Mech/Chem Eng).
• Previous experience within a design office.
• Understanding of legislative compliance technical files and reviews.
• Proficient user of SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Expertise in CFD, FEA, and materials selection.
• Good knowledge of BS.8888 drawing practices, particularly geometric tolerances.
• Professional presentation skills and confident speaking in front of others.
• Flexible, enthusiastic individual who is self‑motivated and able to work well under own initiative.
• Pragmatic approach to tasks.
• Strong self‑management and organisation skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to design for high quality and cost‑effective manufacture.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) (or working towards professional registration with an established institution).

Desirable

• Apprenticeship in relevant engineering field.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing and defence environment.
• Experience of military equipment design standards.
• IOSH Working Safely.
• 5S / LEAN continuous improvement.

Some travel to MoD sites in the UK and customer sites overseas may occasionally be required.

Other Requirements

• Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.
• Candidates must have passed UK security clearance to Security Check level or be able to obtain this level. To gain SC clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
• Candidates must be able to obtain a basic security check which will normally require you to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years.