At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of advanced RF and microwave products from concept to production.
- Company: Join Filtronic, a leader in innovative RF technology with a collaborative engineering team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and guide junior engineers while driving best practices.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-frequency technology for aerospace, defence, and telecommunications.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and a passion for RF systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Company Filtronic is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team to work on a range of advanced RF and microwave products from concept through to volume production. With experienced engineers, advanced design tools and in-house RF/mmWave manufacturing capability, you will play a key role in developing high-frequency products as part of the Filtronic team. Our products range from low volume niche opportunity devices to high volume telecommunications, aerospace, defence and space-related applications.
Purpose of Role
To provide senior-level mechanical engineering expertise for the end-to-end development of advanced high-frequency RF systems, modules and amplifiers, ensuring that mechanical performance, thermal efficiency, reliability, manufacturability, quality and cost requirements are achieved. The role will involve leading and delivering the design of mechanically robust, lightweight and thermally efficient assemblies for demanding industrial, payload and high-reliability environments, including space-related applications. The successful candidate will be expected to provide technical guidance, support design reviews, mentor less experienced engineers where required, and help drive best practice across mechanical design activities.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Mechanical Design and Development
- Lead the design of precision mechanical components and assemblies for RF modules and systems, including lightweight structural enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling solutions and waveguide-based architectures.
- Develop modular mechanical architectures suitable for integration into larger payload or system-level assemblies, considering mass, volume, mounting interfaces and serviceability.
- Ensure designs meet RF, thermal, mechanical and environmental requirements, including EMI shielding, structural stiffness, tolerance control, CTE compatibility, vibration, shock and ingress protection.
- Create and review detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
- Select appropriate materials, finishes and manufacturing processes to support product performance, reliability and manufacturability.
- Provide technical input into product architecture, design trade-offs and risk reduction activities.
- Thermal and Structural Analysis
- Lead or support thermal analysis and simulation, including CFD and conjugate heat transfer, to validate cooling strategies for high-power RF amplifiers and electronic assemblies.
- Conduct and review structural and dynamic analysis using FEA for vibration, shock, fatigue and other load-case conditions typical of high-reliability payload deployment.
- Review mechanical properties of parts and assemblies, including thermal performance, mechanical stress and environmental robustness.
- Validate simulation models through physical testing and correlation with measured data.
- Use analysis results to influence design decisions and recommend practical engineering improvements.
- RF-Aware Mechanical Engineering
- Work closely with RF, electronics and systems engineers to optimise mechanical features that influence RF performance, including cavity geometry, surface finish, plating, tolerances and material selection.
- Design mechanical solutions with consideration for waveguide structures, micro‑machined geometry, PCB integration and precision alignment.
- Support electromechanical product concept design in collaboration with RF, electronics and PCB design teams.
- Provide mechanical engineering guidance during RF product design reviews and customer‑facing technical discussions where required.
- Manufacturing Support
- Lead designs for manufacturability, assembly and cost reduction using processes including CNC machining, die‑casting, additive manufacturing and sheet metal manufacture.
- Generate and review manufacturing documentation including bills of materials.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Filtronic plc
Filtronic is an exceptional employer for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets advanced engineering. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and lead cutting-edge projects in RF and microwave technology, all while enjoying a collaborative culture that values creativity and technical excellence. Located in a thriving area, Filtronic provides competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Filtronic and understanding their products. Familiarise yourself with RF and microwave technologies, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your CAD modelling and thermal analysis techniques, as these will likely come up during technical interviews. We recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RF systems, CAD tools like SolidWorks, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in mechanical design and analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working at Filtronic and how your background aligns with the job description. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading design projects and mentoring others.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise in thermal and structural analysis, as well as your familiarity with manufacturing processes. Mention specific tools or methodologies you've used to solve complex engineering problems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Filtronic plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF and microwave products. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving mechanical design for high-frequency systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in thermal analysis and structural integrity, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with CAD software, particularly SolidWorks. Bring examples of your 3D models or engineering drawings that demonstrate your ability to create precision mechanical components. If possible, have a portfolio ready to showcase your best work, especially any designs that relate to telecommunications or aerospace.
✨Collaboration is Key
Filtronic values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with RF, electronics, and systems engineers in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to cross-functional teams and how your mechanical designs have positively impacted overall project outcomes.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the company’s projects and future directions. Inquire about their approach to integrating new technologies in mechanical design or how they tackle challenges in high-reliability environments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.