UAV Mechanical Design Engineer – High-Rate Production

MEPJOBS UK; Wroughton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bronze ERS Award

Job summary

STARK is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to shape the mechanical architecture of next‑generation UAV platforms. You will take subsystems from concept through high‑rate production, working closely with manufacturing and cross‑functional teams.

You’ll apply CAD, DFM, GD&T and material selection to deliver robust, cost‑effective airframes ready for field trials; prior aerospace/UAV experience and UK security clearance eligibility are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in mechanical design within aerospace/UAV/autonomous systems.
• Proven track record taking parts from sketch through verification and into production.
• Proficient in CAD tools and DFМ principles.
• Familiarity with MIL standards and certification pathways.
• Ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for UAV platforms.
• Optimise designs for high-rate production and scalable manufacturing.
• Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis to ensure first-time-right assembly.
• Lead material selection and manufacturing process decisions (composites, additive, etc.).
• Collaborate with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to ensure structural integrity and flight readiness.
• Hands-on CAD work, rapid prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting.

Skills

Aerospace design

UAV systems

Design for Manufacture

GD&T

Structural analysis

Security clearance eligibility

Explain technical trade-offs

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

3D Printing

Injection Molding

Machining

Job description

STARK is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to shape the mechanical architecture of next‑generation UAV platforms. You will take subsystems from concept through high‑rate production, working closely with manufacturing and cross‑functional teams.

You’ll apply CAD, DFM, GD&T and material selection to deliver robust, cost‑effective airframes ready for field trials; prior aerospace/UAV experience and UK security clearance eligibility are highly valued.