Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. What you will be part of Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
The Role:
A Senior Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership across mechanical and aerospace development activities for unmanned systems. The role owns complex design tasks, mentors engineers, and supports product development from concept through flight test and production. This position sits within BlueBear - A Saab Company and is based in Bedford.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design and development activities across multiple aerospace programmes.
- Provide technical leadership, design reviews and mentoring for engineers.
- Own CAD architecture, detailed design, drawing release and configuration control using SolidWorks.
- Lead integration of propulsion systems, payloads and aircraft structures.
- Conduct engineering analysis including FEA (e.g. ANSYS/Nastran), hand calculations and design trade studies.
- Support manufacturing, assembly, verification, flight test and certification activities.
- Manage technical risks, DFMEA activities and engineering documentation.
- Engage with customers and stakeholders to translate requirements into solutions.
- Support estimates, planning and work package delivery.
Essential Skills
- Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
- Extensive experience in mechanical design within aerospace, UAV, defence or similar sectors.
- Advanced SolidWorks or CATIA capability including surfacing, assemblies, drawing generation and GD&T, plus experience working within a PLM/PDM system.
- Experience leading products from concept through manufacture and test.
- Strong understanding of metallic and composite structures and manufacturing methods.
- Build, integrate and test prototype/rig hardware in the workshop.
- Support fault-finding and rework on aircraft/test articles directly.
- Experience with BS8888.
- Experience with DFMA, FMEA and engineering governance processes.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor engineers.
- Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with eVTOL, UAS or advanced air mobility systems.
- Knowledge of airworthiness and flight test processes.
- Experience in a regulated defence environment and eligibility for UK security clearance (SC).
Saab UK Company Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave
- Workplace pension scheme with 8% company contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Death in service insurance
- Up to 5% share matching scheme
- Company enhanced Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave.
- + Much more
By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.
At Saab, you'll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose – keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions.
What makes that difference possible? You. We're a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with operations around the world. Empowered by our talented people, we combine deep expertise with continuous innovation – investing one-fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow's challenges today. But technology alone doesn't create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution – that's what transforms possibility into reality. Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You'll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters. Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.
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Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oakley employer: Blue Bear Systems Group Ltd
Saab UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bedfordshire where innovation meets purpose. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Saab empowers its team to excel in their careers while contributing to vital defence and security solutions. Employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology that makes a real difference in society.
Contact Details:
Blue Bear Systems Group Ltd Recruitment Team
