At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge defence technologies.
- Company: Join a leading global defence organisation in a collaborative engineering environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 4-day work week and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Immediate openings available; must be eligible for Security Clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting military vehicle programmes and complex mechanisms.
- Qualifications: Proven mechanical design experience, especially in defence or industrial automation.
Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking to work on some of the UK's most exciting defence programmes? We are currently recruiting for multiple Lead Mechanical Engineers to support the development of next-generation land systems for a leading global defence organisation based in Ampthill. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex military vehicle programmes, contributing to the design and development of cutting-edge defence technologies.
You'll be joining a highly skilled engineering team responsible for delivering innovative mechanical design solutions for armoured vehicle platforms and complex mechanisms operating in demanding environments.
The Role
- Supporting the design and development of Mechanical systems and components.
- Producing high-quality mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture.
- Designing complex mechanisms and assemblies for defence applications.
- Performing structural and kinematic calculations to support design activities.
- Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver programme objectives.
- Planning, coordinating and managing engineering activities across the product development lifecycle.
- Ensuring designs are suitable for harsh operating environments and meet defence industry standards.
- Utilising CREO and Windchill to develop and manage mechanical design data.
- Contributing technical expertise throughout the design and product development process.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in mechanical design and product development.
- Strong background working within the defence or industrial automation sectors.
- Extensive experience using CREO CAD software.
- Experience using Windchill PLM software.
- In-depth understanding of complex mechanism design principles.
- Ability to perform basic structural and kinematic calculations.
- Proven track record of delivering products designed for harsh environments.
- Strong knowledge of materials, treatments and finishing technologies used within defence products.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate engineering activities effectively.
Desirable Experience
- Experience designing land systems.
- Aerospace or military design experience.
- Experience working across the full mechanical design lifecycle from concept through to delivery.
Security Clearance
Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC). BPSS clearance is required to start.
Working Arrangements
- Mandatory on-site attendance in Ampthill every Monday and Tuesday.
- Additional on-site days may be required depending on programme requirements.
- Flexible 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday), offering an excellent work-life balance.
What's on Offer?
- Opportunity to work on leading UK defence programmes.
- 4-day working week.
- Collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
- Exposure to complex military vehicle and defence technologies.
- Multiple positions available with an immediate requirement.
If you're an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a passion for defence engineering and complex mechanical systems, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your CV, and a member of our Defence recruitment team will be in touch.
Lead Mechanical Engineer employer: Mane Contract Services
Mane Contract Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northern Ireland where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to enhance their skills in lean manufacturing and heavy equipment engineering. The company fosters a supportive culture that values teamwork and encourages employees to contribute to meaningful projects that drive efficiency and excellence in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Mane Contract Services.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Mane Contract Services love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Mane Contract Services and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Mane Contract Services and the Lead Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Mane Contract Services.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Mane Contract Services.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Mane Contract Services, making you a more appealing candidate.
