Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space

CBSbutler; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

CBSbutler in the United Kingdom (Chelmsford) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for Space Imaging. You will lead mechanical design across projects, translating customer specifications into robust solutions and driving procurement, design reviews, and documentation.

The role focuses on assembly and test jigging, transport packaging, and industrialisation of processes for custom sensor solutions, with emphasis on environmental resilience (shock, vibration, heat transfer) and close

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo).
• Ability to interpret FEA results and apply insights to refine designs.
• Experience designing for environmental conditions including shock, vibration and heat transfer.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and mechanical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and creative thinking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a team.
• Proven track record of leading projects and delivering high-quality results.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering development activities across projects/programmes by translating customer specifications into suitable designs, driving the design and procurement process, and delivering robust, high-quality solutions that meet customer expectations efficiently and on schedule.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation—including design specifications, test plans, manufacturing drawings, and reports—and ensure effective communication of technical information to both internal and external parties through drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Participate actively in design reviews, provide constructive feedback to improve designs, and work closely with process engineers to offer well-documented solutions to complex technical issues.
• Identify and resolve technical problems during the design phase, proactively assess risks, and demonstrate the ability to work independently to deliver robust solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in mechanical engineering technologies, drive the development of processing expertise, and support the industrialisation of processes for custom product solutions.

Skills

CAD Creo

FEA analysis

Mechanical design

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo CAD

FEA software

Job description

Space science is at the core of understanding the Universe's origins and future. From the earliest signs of the Big Bang to the effects of solar activity on the Earth, the detailed scientific information and images obtained with our CCD and CMOS sensors are helping us understand more about our surroundings.

The imaging sensors developed and tested at the Chelmsford site have been used on humanities most important space imaging missions. These include the Hubble Telescope, Keplar, GAIA, Mars Rovers, New Horizons, and Rosetta to name but a few.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will ensure the successful delivery of high-quality products and projects by developing bespoke solutions for Space Imaging sensors, test cameras and front-end electronics.

Summary and Responsibilities - Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space

Your responsibilities will encompass the design of associated assembly and test jigging, as well as transport packaging, and will require you to drive new design solutions from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings, including the selection of suitable materials.

Key Responsibilities - Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space

• Lead mechanical engineering development activities across projects/programmes by translating customer specifications into suitable designs, driving the design and procurement process, and delivering robust, high-quality solutions that meet customer expectations efficiently and on schedule.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation—including design specifications, test plans, manufacturing drawings, and reports—and ensure effective communication of technical information to both internal and external parties through drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Participate actively in design reviews, provide constructive feedback to improve designs, and work closely with process engineers to offer well-documented solutions to complex technical issues.
• Identify and resolve technical problems during the design phase, proactively assess risks, and demonstrate the ability to work independently to deliver robust solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in mechanical engineering technologies, drive the development of processing expertise, and support the industrialisation of processes for custom product solutions.

Qualifications and Experience - Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space Imaging

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret FEA results and apply insights to refine and enhance design solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to design solutions that effectively address challenging environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, and heat transfer, through the application of specialised engineering knowledge.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading projects and delivering high-quality results.