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- Tasks: Lead a team in designing next-gen air vehicles from concept to flight.
- Company: Join a UK defence tech company innovating uncrewed air systems for government clients.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, CAD skills, and a background in aerospace or related fields required.
- Other info: UK residency and security clearance eligibility are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Mechanical Design Team Lead – Air Vehicle Design
About the Company
Our client is a UK-based defence technology company producing uncrewed air systems. With over 15 years of experience and strong financial backing/investment, the company is scaling rapidly, delivering cutting-edge UAV solutions for defence and government clients.
With fully integrated UK-based facilities for design, manufacturing, and flight testing, the team can rapidly prototype, iterate, and deploy platforms in response to emerging operational needs.
Role Overview
We're looking for an experienced and proactive Mechanical Design Team Lead to guide a multidisciplinary team in the design and development of next-generation air vehicles. This role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering across the entire product life cycle – from concept to flight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers, driving performance and development
- Oversee the mechanical design of air vehicles, payloads, and production-ready platforms
- Ensure efficient resource allocation and milestone delivery in collaboration with senior leaders
- Participate in design reviews and maintain configuration and documentation standards
- Support manufacturing and supply chain teams with technical input
- Plan and execute test and validation activities, including flight tests
- Contribute to continuous improvement across engineering processes and team capability
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and team resourcing
What We're Looking For
We value people who are collaborative, technically sharp, and adaptive. Ideal candidates will have:
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Proficiency in CAD (eg SolidWorks)
- Experience with design for manufacture and configuration management
- A hands-on, problem-solving mindset
- Background in aerospace systems, composites, or avionics (desirable)
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC)
Working Model
Hybrid working is supported, with most team members on-site at least three days per week. Due to the nature of the work, UK residency and SC clearance eligibility are essential.
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer employer: SR2 - Socially Responsible Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SR2 - Socially Responsible Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in UAV technology and air vehicle design. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field and your commitment to staying updated.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company and its culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team, managed projects, or solved complex engineering problems, as these will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's recent projects and achievements. Being able to reference their work during your discussions will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the company's mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in mechanical design, particularly in aerospace systems or UAVs. Emphasise your leadership skills and any hands-on engineering projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience with CAD tools like SolidWorks and your approach to team leadership.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and deliver on complex mechanical designs. Highlight any experience with flight tests or collaboration with manufacturing teams.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that all documents are well-formatted and free of errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Mechanical Design Team Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 - Socially Responsible Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be expected to guide and mentor a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you motivate your team, and any specific examples of successful projects you've led.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with CAD software like SolidWorks is crucial. Bring examples of your design work or projects that highlight your technical skills, especially in mechanical design for air vehicles or similar systems.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Understand the importance of design reviews in the engineering process. Be ready to discuss how you approach these reviews, maintain documentation standards, and ensure configuration management throughout the product life cycle.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
A hands-on, problem-solving mindset is key for this role. Prepare to share specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to aerospace systems or manufacturing processes.
