Mechanical Group Leader in Horsham

Join a business at the forefront of defence innovation, where precision engineering directly enables mission-critical surveillance, fire-control, and radar positioning systems used around the world. As Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will have the opportunity to lead and inspire a talented team of engineers developing sophisticated electro-mechanical systems for some of the most demanding land and maritime environments.

As the Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will play a critical role in overseeing and guiding a team of talented mechanical engineers. Your leadership, technical expertise and application of mechanical engineering design principles will drive the successful development and implementation of cutting-edge electromechanical systems. You will ensure that your team adheres to the highest standards of engineering excellence and compliance while engaging in tactical and strategic growth of the team as it evolves to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of Mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Providing technical guidance and support to team members, assisting with complex problem-solving and decision-making.
• Leadership and continuous improvement of mechanical team tools, training and processes.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. Engage in staff development to ensure all direct and indirect reports are appropriately supported with 1:1s, mentoring and personal development planning.
• Support the sales team function, derive mechanical requirements, propose concept solutions and provide plans and estimates for bid submission.
• Support Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs) in the resourcing and management of all aspects of mechanical design activity including identifying resource needs and lead recruitment activities for the Mechanical team.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, electronics and electrical engineers, to ensure seamless integration of system components.
• Provide input to engineering team goals and objectives and associated strategic planning.
• Keep the business up to date with latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring your team remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and defence industry standards throughout the development and deployment of systems design activities.

Essential:

• Minimum 2.1 Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience in design and successful project delivery of complex mechanisms and structures on multi-disciplinary projects (mechanical, electronics, software) of the full system lifecycle.
• Several years experience in leadership roles of projects and personnel.
• Experience in design analysis and performance calculations (FEA, environmental, load bearing structures, etc).
• Experience of designing equipment for use in harsh environments.
• Experience in the preparation of bids and interfacing with customers for new business.
• Demonstrable experience in innovation and new concept designs.
• Demonstrable drive for continuous improvement.
• Broad understanding and experience of manufacturing techniques such as machining, sheeting metal forming, casting, fabrication and moulding techniques.
• Experience of working with common electromechanical drive mechanisms (motors/gearboxes/ballscrews, etc).
• Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical requirements and components.
• Experience of using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.

Desirable skills:

• Have previous experience in a similar level position in a ‘Senior’ level role, preferably in a small or medium-sized company and/or relevant business model.
• Extensive experience working with the SolidWorks toolset and environment.
• Chartered engineer with relevant professional institution.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tool suite for task management (Jira/Confluence).

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to liaise with customers verbally and in writing in an effective manner.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders to understand diverse and complex requirements.
• Ability to fit in and work well both in a team, working autonomously when required.
• Demonstrates company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage.
• Highly organised and methodical approach, with an eye for detail.
• A flexible, conscientious, and diligent attitude.
• A resilient and adaptable approach at all times.

Work life balance:

• 37.5 hour working week, Lunchtime finishes on a Friday.
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements.
• 28 days annual leave, Christmas closure, Holiday purchasing scheme.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.