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- Tasks: Lead mechanical design projects and develop next-gen radar systems for defence.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, health perks, and share plans.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real-world impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Mechanical Engineering and experience with CAD and system designs required.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available; part-time hours can be discussed.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 86000 £ per year.
Job Title: Mechanical Design Lead
Location: Isle of Wight Cowes or Portsmouth Broad Oak. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Up to 85,700 (dependent on skills and experience) Part time & accruing hours available. Please let us know if you would like to discuss these options
Put yourself into a dynamic Mechanical Design Lead role at the forefront of real world demands in the defence industry. Alongside ensuring operational excellence for our existing products, there will be the opportunity to develop next generation radar products to counter emerging threats and contribution to our strategy for new technology. Your new day-to-day will be exciting and diverse by applying the principles of Engineering across the entire engineering development lifecycle as you join in developing radar systems used by those who serve and protect us.
What youll be doing:
- Provide a depth and breadth of expert knowledge gained through substantial work experience to apply principles and concepts of systems engineering, ISO 15288 and own specialist mechanical engineering expertise to development or problem resolution of a complex shipborne structure with integrated sensor configurations
- Provide technical and business leadership and may lead several engineering teams, including management and possible control of costs associated with the team activity
- Analyse, define, evaluate, plan and deliver solutions to meet programme, business and customer requirements
- Interface with customers, suppliers and other functions and will act as an ambassador for engineering to these groups
- Assist with development of engineering capability and skills and monitor professional development of engineers to meet future discipline requirements
Your skills and experiences:
- Subject matter expertise in Mechanical Engineering: Structures and Finite Element Analysis (particularly Static and Dynamic Shock and Vibration) or equivalent experience
- Ability to generate requirements and translate concepts into production-ready designs
- Relevant experience/knowledge of CAD and Mechanical Engineering Analysis, Modelling and Simulation tools
- Experience of leading large scale complex system designs
- Experience of multiple aspects of an engineering lifecycle and expert knowledge of lifecycle models (e.g. Waterfall, Agile)
- Higher education (or equivalent experience) in a relevant STEM discipline
- Achieved Chartered Engineer status or be working towards
Benefits
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Radar Systems Engineering team:
The Mechanical Design Lead is a subject matter expert in Mechanical Engineering, responsible for the conceptual development of future shipborne integrated mast structures designed to house multiple radars, sensors, communications systems, and ship services.
This role is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and invest in your career journey within a global business. You will be supported in growing your knowledge in contemporary and cutting-edge Radar techniques, with opportunities to develop your skills and responsibilities in technical leadership.
In this role, you will be able to enjoy both flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Our workplace in Cowes is an easily accessible commute from Southampton with a regular foot passenger ferry and BAE shuttle service from the ferry terminal to site.
As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. Our working approach, will enable you to have flexibility with your working hours, depending on your role and location. This could include part time hours, accruing hours as well as flexibility around start and finish times, ensuring you can balance life at work, on site and life at home.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where youll be able to make a real difference. Youll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where youll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date 27th November 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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Mechanical Design Lead (Preston) employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Lead (Preston)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence industry, especially those who have experience in mechanical design. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in radar systems and mechanical engineering. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led engineering teams or projects, as this will be crucial for a Mechanical Design Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's recent projects and initiatives in the defence sector. Being able to reference these during your discussions will show that you're proactive and truly interested in contributing to our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Lead (Preston)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in Mechanical Engineering, particularly in areas like Structures and Finite Element Analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and leadership in complex system designs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Mention how your skills align with the company's goals in developing next-generation radar products and your understanding of the defence industry.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience with CAD and Mechanical Engineering Analysis tools. Discuss your familiarity with different engineering lifecycle models, such as Waterfall and Agile, to show you can adapt to various project requirements.
Showcase Leadership Experience: If you have experience leading engineering teams, make sure to include this in your application. Provide examples of how you've managed costs and delivered solutions that meet customer requirements, as this is crucial for the Mechanical Design Lead role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your subject matter expertise in Mechanical Engineering, especially in areas like Structures and Finite Element Analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical demands of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading engineering teams, share examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've managed teams, controlled costs, and delivered successful outcomes in previous projects. This will show that you can take on the responsibilities of a Mechanical Design Lead.
✨Understand the Engineering Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with various engineering lifecycle models such as Waterfall and Agile. Be ready to explain how you've applied these models in past projects, as this knowledge is crucial for the role and will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers about the company’s approach to developing next-generation radar products and their expectations for the Mechanical Design Lead role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
