Founding Mechanical Engineer in Cornwall

Founding Mechanical Engineer

Location: Cornwall, with regular international travel as project and testing activities require.

Security Clearance: Eligibility for UK security clearance is essential for this role

Our client is developing next-generation defence technology to address one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern warfare.

As low-cost drones continue to reshape the battlefield, the need for scalable and cost-effective air defence solutions has never been greater.

We are supporting them in the search for a Founding Mechanical Engineer who will play a pivotal role in the development of a new capability from the ground up.

This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and take ownership of critical hardware development, influencing both product design and the future engineering direction of the business.

The Opportunity

As a key member of the founding engineering team, you'll lead the mechanical design and development of missile-related hardware, working closely with senior leadership to translate concepts into operational systems.

You'll be involved throughout the entire product lifecycle, from early-stage architecture and prototyping through to testing, validation and deployment.

As the organisation grows, you'll also have the opportunity to help shape the engineering function, establish best practices and contribute to building a high-performing technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and subsystems from concept through to production and deployment.
• Create and maintain CAD models, detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware.
• Support testing activities, including live trials, data analysis and design refinement.
• Plan and execute verification and validation activities across a range of environments.
• Work through complex engineering challenges, developing practical and robust solutions.
• Drive rapid product iteration through a test-and-learn approach.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers to influence overall system design.
• Contribute to the development of engineering processes, standards and technical culture.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to speak with experienced engineers who can demonstrate

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals across structures, materials, mechanisms and dynamics.
• Experience designing real-world hardware for challenging operating environments.
• The ability to balance performance, cost, manufacturability, weight and risk when making engineering decisions.
• Advanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufacture.
• A hands-on approach with practical experience building and testing physical systems.
• A proactive mindset with a genuine passion for learning and problem-solving.
• The ability to work autonomously and take ownership of deliverables.
• A track record of operating successfully in fast-paced or high-growth environments.

Desirable Experience

• Defence, aerospace or other highly regulated engineering sectors.
• Missile systems, rocketry, UAVs or flight systems.
• Electromechanical product development.
• Aerodynamics, modelling, simulation or systems testing.
• Side projects, personal engineering builds or entrepreneurial ventures.
• Understanding of defence standards, certification or airworthiness requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to be involved in something from the very beginning.

Rather than joining a large established organisation, you'll have genuine influence over the product, the technology roadmap and the engineering culture being built around it.

For the right individual, this is an opportunity to combine technical ownership, entrepreneurial thinking and meaningful impact while helping to develop a capability designed to address a significant and evolving defence challenge.

Modis International Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers in the UK.

Modis Europe Ltd provide a variety of international solutions that connect clients to the best talent in the world.

For all positions based in Switzerland, Modis Europe Ltd works with its licensed Swiss partner Accurity Gmb H to ensure that candidate applications are handled in accordance with Swiss law.

Both Modis International Ltd and Modis Europe Ltd are Equal Opportunities Employers.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Modis International Ltd and/ or Modis Europe Ltd.

Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement which explains how we will use your information is available on the Modis website.