Senior Mechanical Engineer

STARK; Devon; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A defence technology company is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop next-generation unmanned USV platforms. This role involves mechanical design and system integration for maritime applications, requiring experience in SolidWorks and FEA analysis. Candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. This is a permanent position located in Devon, South Africa, offering a hands-on opportunity to contribute to innovative maritime solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in Mechanical design within the maritime industry.
• Applicants MUST be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design on existing and future unmanned maritime platforms.
• SolidWorks design including 3D modeling, assemblies, and FEA analysis.
• Conduct hands-on prototyping and builds from concept through testing.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Coordinate payload integration for sensors and communication systems.
• Participate in design reviews and technical presentations.
• Identify opportunities for design optimization and performance enhancement.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D Modelling

FEA analysis

Hands-on prototyping

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

Permanent employee, Full-time

Location: Devon, South West England

About Us

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.

STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel.

Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations.

Your mission

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer within the maritime team, you will be at the core of designing and developing our next-generation unmanned USV platforms. This is a hands-on role requiring technical experience in mechanical engineering and integrate system design.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design on existing and future unmanned maritime platforms, focusing on system and payload integration into future vehicle geometries
• SolidWorks design including 3D modeling, assemblies, FEA analysis, and Design for Manufacturing optimisation
• Conduct hands-on prototyping and builds from concept through functional testing
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and systems engineering teams for seamless component integration
• Coordinate payload integration for sensors, communication systems, and mission-specific equipment
• Participate in design reviews, technical presentations, and stakeholder meetings
• Identify opportunities for design optimisation, cost reduction, and performance enhancement
• Stay current with emerging technologies and manufacturing processes relevant to unmanned systems

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience in Mechanical design within the maritime industry
• Experience with SolidWorks, FEA analysis and 3D Modelling
• Applicants MUST be eligible for UK Security Clearance

For further information, please reach out to [e-mail].

Legal and Equality

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Data privacy statement

Uploading document. Please wait.

Please add all mandatory information with a * to send your application.