At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deploy innovative hardware for extreme Arctic conditions.
- Company: Pioneering tech firm focused on autonomy in harsh environments.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, equity options, and real-world field experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to solving tough engineering challenges.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in one of Earth's most challenging frontiers.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in hardware development for extreme environments and a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
LOCATION: CALMSDEN, CIRENCESTER, UK - WITH FIELD TRAVEL
The Arctic is a place of extremes: unforgiving, untamed, and undergoing rapid change. A literal defrosting reveals a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity spanning energy, defence, logistics, research, and infrastructure. ARD was founded on a paradox. The Arctic is both the next great economic frontier and one of the most hostile environments on Earth. Rich in resources and strategically vital, yet bone-chillingly cold, dark for months, and fundamentally inhospitable to humans. This paradox—an explosion of activity in a place that resists human presence is why we exist. Our solution is autonomy. We build systems that operate reliably and intelligently in the Arctic, so that humans don't always have to.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own the design, build, and deployment of cold-hardened hardware — from field-ready energy systems to autonomous surface and sub-surface platforms. You’ll work from first principles to engineer real-world solutions that operate where failure isn’t an option. You’ll lead end-to-end design, push hardware and material limits, and take your work into the field — from the workshop to the Arctic.
Core Responsibilities
- Design, test, and deliver Arctic-ready hardware from cradle to deployment for ARD’s product-line
- Drive materials choices, joinery, sealing, and reliability under thermal/mechanical stress
- Lead cold-chamber and durability testing, along with Test Engineer, to ensure performance in sub-zero climates
- Integrate closely with electrical, software, and deployment teams (systems, software, GIS, RF)
- Set QA standards to ensure our systems stay bulletproof in the harshest conditions
- Travel to the Arctic for R&D field testing and meetings with industry reps
Required Experience
- 7+ years industry experience developing hardware for extreme environments
- A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a portfolio of high-fidelity hardware dev
- Advanced in 3D CAD (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, PDM)
- Experience with taking a product from concept design to production, with a strong grasp of DfMA.
- Hands-on prototype and testing experience, working alongside multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Readiness to operate in safe but cold environments while conducting R&D prototype field tests
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of environmental and reliability testing (e.g. thermal cycling, vibration, shock)
- Familiarity of electrical systems to ensure a holistic approach to hardware design
- Basic understanding of RF systems and components
- Previous experience working within an R&D workshop
What we offer
- Competitive compensation
- Private Health Insurance
- Dental & Optician
- Equity — meaningful options as an early employee at an early-stage company
- Real field exposure — travel to Arctic sites and Outposts when needed (genuinely, not as a gimmick)
- Mission-driven culture — focus on impact, not hours logged
- Small team, real ownership — what you build matters and ships
A Note On Who We Want To Hear From
We're building for one of the most demanding environments on Earth and we believe diverse teams build more resilient systems. We actively welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in engineering - whether that's by gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. If you're not sure you meet every requirement, apply anyway and tell us what excites you about the problem.
Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cirencester employer: Arctic Research and Development
At ARD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a mission-driven culture that prioritises real-world impact over hours logged. As a Product Security Engineer, you'll enjoy competitive compensation, equity options, and the unique opportunity to work in one of the most challenging environments on Earth, with travel to Arctic sites that enrich your experience. Our small team structure ensures that your contributions are valued and have a direct influence on our innovative solutions, fostering both personal and professional growth in a supportive atmosphere.
Contact Details:
Arctic Research and Development Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cirencester
✨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 Arctic Research and Development.
✨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 Arctic Research and Development love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Arctic Research and Development 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 Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cirencester
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 Arctic Research and Development and the Lead Mechanical Engineer 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 Arctic Research and Development
✨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 Arctic Research and Development.
✨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 Arctic Research and Development.
✨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 Arctic Research and Development, making you a more appealing candidate.
