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
