At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for advanced underwater technology and support projects from concept to testing.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy shaping the future of technology and sustainability.
- Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, flexible working, and team-building activities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for ongoing learning and development.
- Why this job: Work on exciting projects that make a real impact in marine technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years experience in mechanical design and proficiency in SolidWorks required.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.
Join a growing engineering team developing advanced underwater and marine technology solutions. You will take ownership of mechanical design activities, supporting projects from concept development through to manufacture and testing.
Location: Bedford
On-site Requirement: On Site
Seniority: 10+ Years Experience
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead mechanical design activities for complex engineered products.
- Produce detailed SolidWorks models, assemblies, and drawings.
- Support design reviews and technical decision-making.
- Conduct engineering analysis and design assessments.
- Work closely with manufacturing and test teams.
- Support prototype development and product improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Extensive experience delivering mechanical design solutions.
- Experience throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design principles.
Required Skills:
- Extensive experience using SolidWorks to develop detailed mechanical designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings.
- Strong understanding of product development from concept generation through to manufacture and testing.
- Experience performing engineering analysis and design evaluation to support technical decision-making.
- Ability to work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective.
- Proven experience delivering mechanical solutions within complex engineering environments.
Soft Skills & Collaboration:
- Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to guide design activities and mentor others.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Proactive and pragmatic approach to engineering problem solving.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high technical standards.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience working within marine, subsea, or underwater technology sectors.
- Knowledge of finite element analysis and structural assessment techniques.
- Experience designing housings or mechanical assemblies for electronic systems.
- Familiarity with environmental qualification and testing activities.
Additional Information:
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (SolidWorks) in Bedford employer: Alten Ltd
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering engineers to tackle complex challenges in a supportive environment. With a focus on personal career development, diverse engineering projects, and a commitment to work-life balance, employees enjoy benefits such as private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Located in Portsmouth, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge marine navigation systems while being part of a passionate team dedicated to building tomorrow's world today.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer (SolidWorks) in Bedford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Alten Ltd.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Alten Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Alten Ltd and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Engineer (SolidWorks) in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Alten Ltd and the Senior Mechanical Engineer (SolidWorks) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alten Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Alten Ltd.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Alten Ltd.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Alten Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
